Arnold Clark Cup: Three players to watch as Lionesses…

Arnold Clark Cup: Three players to watch as Lionesses to face off with Korea Republic

England's Lionesses will begin their defence of the Arnold Clark Cup when they take to the field against Korea Republic this week.

Sarina Wiegman's side became the inaugural winners of the four-nation competition on home soil last year before going on to become UEFA Women’s EURO champions. This month's tournament will offer Wiegman the opportunity to take a look at her squad and afford players with vital minutes ahead of the Women's World Cup in the summer.

However, Korea Republic - who fill face off with England at Stadium MK on Thursday - could pose a real challenge as the Lionesses bid to retain their Arnold Clark Cup crown. The Taegeuk Ladies currently stand 15th in the FIFA World Rankings and are unbeaten in their last five matches, and we're taking a look at three players who could potentially light up the pitch when the two sides meet in Milton Keynes.

Ji So-Yun

Perhaps the most notable name on Korea Republic's roster in Ji So-Yun, who was once described by Chelsea boss Emma Hayes as "one of the best midfielders in the world".

Ji signed for the Blues in 2014 and went on to score 68 goals in more than 200 appearances in her eight-year stint at the club. With Chelsea, Ji won six WSL titles, four FA Cups, two Conti Cups and one Community Shield.

Ji became the first South Korean to play in the WSL, and in her debut campaign for the club she claimed the FA WSL Player of the Year and PFA Players’ Player of the Year awards. She also went on to become the first non-British player to reach 100 and 200 league appearances respectively.

In 2022, she signed for Suwon FC in her native South Korea, bagging a brace in WK League debut against Boeun Sangmu.

Lee Geum-Min

A tricky, technical player, Lee Geum-Min could certainly prove a handful for the England defence. The 28-year-old made her senior debut for Korea Republic in 2013 and has since gone on to score 20 goals in 75 appearances for her country.

Lee began her career at Seoul before moving to Gyeongju KHNP and subsequently Manchester City. She made her WSL debut in September 2019, coming on as a second-half substitute against Manchester United at the Etihad scoring her first City goal against Birmingham City the following month.

She was loaned out to Brighton in 2020 and made the switch to Broadfield Stadium permanent in 2021, netting eight times in 82 appearances for the Seagulls. Lee was also part of the Korea Republic squad that won the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup and represented her country at the 2015 and 2019 World Cups.

Park Ye-eun

Park signed for Brighton last summer ((Photo by Henry Browne - The FA/The FA via Getty Images))

26-year-old Park Ye-eun is another name that might be familiar to fans of the WSL. She operates mainly on the right side of midfield, but the 25-year-old also be deployed in a more central position as well.

Park joined Brighton last summer from South Korean club Gyeongju KHNP, penning a two-year deal with the Seagulls. While she is yet to find the back of the net for her new club, she has scored four goals in 16 appearances for her country.

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