England defender Alex Greenwood has said she is “really enjoying” her football after turning in an impressive display in Thursday’s Arnold Clark Cup clash with South Korea.
The 29-year-old played more than an hour of the Lionesses’ 4-0 victory at Stadium MK, where she was deployed as a left-back. Greenwood’s defensive nous helped England to a crucial clean sheet and she also showcased her attacking prowess by setting up Alessia Russo for England’s third goal.
The Manchester City star has been playing primarily at centre-back for her club this season but revealed the support of her Lionesses teammates is enabling her to demonstrate her versatility on the left.
“It’s a position I’ve played most of my career in anyway, so it becomes natural,” she said of the left-back role ahead of the Lionesses’ upcoming clash with Italy. “It is different to playing centre-back and there are areas of the game I have to change, but it’s fine. I have to practise it in training. I’ve got good teammates around me to support me to do that.”
Greenwood was part of England’s title-winning squad at the Euros last summer and came on as a late substitute in the Lionesses’ historic final victory over Germany. Despite failing to cement a place in Sarina Wiegman’s starting XI last summer, the defender believes the competition for places in the squad could prove vital when England travel to Australia and New Zealand for the World Cup in July.
“I think it’s really healthy and that we have such good competition,” she said. “We have some players who can play and not just in one role, but more than one. It’s only going to benefit us for the summer.”
Greenwood has been a standout performer for Manchester City this season; her consistent displays have helped the club keep pace with league leaders Chelsea and local rivals Manchester United. Despite topping the charts in a number of footballing metrics in the Women's Super League, the 29-year-old is determined to keep improving to help the team realise their title ambitions.
“I’m just really enjoying my football,” she said. “I’m enjoying playing for England. It’s important that when you’re happy off the pitch, it replicates on the pitch. Stats are great and stuff but I want to win football matches. If those stats were the other way around and we were still winning, then I’d be happy.”
Greenwood is likely to feature for the Lionesses when they take to the field against Italy at Coventry’s CBS Arena on Sunday. Le Azzure were narrowly beaten by Belgium last time out but Sarina Wiegman - whose ranks have been bolstered by the return of midfielder Keira Walsh from illness - believes they will pose a real challenge to the Lionesses as they continue their Arnold Clark Cup defence.
“They’re a pretty good team, she said of Italy. “If you look at the results, it’s probably a bit disappointing for them, but I think they’ve played some proper games. What they do tactically they do different things in the game which will challenge us.
“It’s good for us to adapt to that and scan continuously as a team what they do and be proactive in that so we can control the game.”
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