England take on Japan on Friday in the first of an international double-header with Sarina Wiegman getting to look at her squad first-hand for the last time in 2022.
She may be without Laura Williamson, Lauren Hemp, Frank Kirby and now Lucy Bronze, following a positive covid test, but it is still a strong England side heading for Spain. After the final week of WSL fixtures last weekend before the Lionesses got together, Mirror Football looks at five players who have given themselves a big chance of making the starting XI.
Lauren James
The clamour for Chelsea ’s Lauren James has been building throughout the season and doesn’t look like slowing down anytime soon. The Londoner wasn’t blessed with opportunities at the Blues last season but is making her mark for the title contenders this time around.
Coming off the back of a double against Aston Villa, James’ impressive start to the season has seen her become a regular call-up for Wiegman. She then produced a fine first-time finish on the way to victory at United, underlining her credentials of starting against Japan.
Rachel Daly
More often than not utility player Rachel Daly has been deployed in defence throughout her England career. That was the case on the run to Euro 2022 glory, Wiegman favouring her at left-back.
Yet for much of her club career she has played as a forward. Indeed Daly herself suggested, when speaking at the recent Women’s Football Summit, she could be used as an attacking option at the next World Cup.
If that is the case the Aston Villa star needs to stay amongst the goals to give Wiegman a forward-related headache. And once again she was the match-winner for her club in the WSL last weekend, scoring her fifth goal of the season from the spot in a 1-0 win at Liverpool.
Alessia Russo
After playing the role of super-sub during the summer, Alessia Russo looked to have a clear run at the number nine shirt following Ellen White’s retirement. The Manchester United striker started the first two post-Euros matches, scoring against both Austria and Luxembourg.
But the 23-year-old striker then suffered an injury, pulling out of the England squad in the last international window. However, Russo has proved her return to fitness in recent weeks and her cool finish for United last weekend, in the 3-1 defeat against Chelsea, should be enough to get her the nod.
Lotte Wubben-Moy
Lotte Wubben-Moy does have eight caps in the bag but will now be looking to truly kickstart her international career ahead of next summer’s World Cup. She was an unused substitute for the run to European Championship glory, but has started the season in fine form for WSL table-toppers Arsenal.
The Gunners’ defender has stepped up seamlessly in Leah Williamson’s absence at club level and will now look to do the same for the Lionesses. Can Wiegman really afford to leave a defender out who has already helped her team keep five clean sheets this season?
Katie Robinson
Brighton ’s young star Katie Robinson will be hopeful of receiving a first cap after getting the call from England for the first time following a flying start to the season. The 20-year-old’s fine form combined with Lauren Hemp’s injury leaves a place in the starting XI looking a genuine possibility.
Robinson was lively throughout Brighton’s thrilling 5-4 win over West Ham at the weekend, doing her international chances no harm. Her energetic wing-play, direct running style and high work-rate means she offers something genuinely different from the competition.
If Wiegman is going to give her a chance, the meeting with Japan seems like the perfect time.
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