Rachel Daly has been handed a boost in her hopes to be England’s starting striker at this month’s Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
The reigning WSL top scorer, who netted 22 goals in as many games last season, has been named as the Lionesses’ No9 for the tournament. Alessia Russo, her main competitor for the position, is No23.
Daly has often been used as a utility player during her England career. She was deployed at left-back during last summer’s European Championship, but has become one of Sarina Wiegman’s two favoured forwards since England’s top scorer Ellen White retired following their Wembley triumph.
Being handed the No9 shirt will offer Aston Villa’s Daly hope that she can be England’s starting striker for the World Cup, despite Russo coming off the bench to great effect at the Euros last summer — scoring four goals and winning goal of the tournament for her backheel against Sweden in the semi-final.
Daly started England’s drab 0-0 draw with Portugal on Saturday, but was replaced by Russo at half-time. Both players missed a host of chances as Wiegman’s side failed to find the net despite taking 23 shots.
Russo became a free agent this week after failing to agree terms over a new deal at Manchester United, and she is now expected to join Arsenal.
Chelsea’s Lauren James can be hopeful of getting plenty of game time Down Under after being handed the No7 shirt, while Alex Greenwood — who is a left-back with experience deputising at centre-back — is No5.
