Manchester City defender Esme Morgan has offered an insight into England's World Cup preparations as the competition for places heats up and new partnerships are forming.
The 22-year-old was named in the Lionesses' starting line-up to face Portugal in their send-off match on Saturday afternoon, partnering Jess Carter in the heart of the defence. Despite the stalemate at Stadium MK, the fixture offered some insight into manager Sarina Wiegman's thinking heading into another major tournament.
England will fly out to Australia in a few days' time to ramp up their preparations ahead of their opening fixture against Haiti on July 22. Despite the looming tournament, Morgan insists there hasn't been much talk about the World Cup and everyone is still competing for a place in the team.
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"Not really (we don’t think about the World Cup)," she said post-match. "The prep is focused on the team we’re playing, so in the days leading up it’s all Portugal, what’s their style of play, what do they do in attack or out of possession. It’s very much focused on that.
"We’ve got so many talented players across the pitch. There’s so much competition across the back line (as well) and we’re really lucky that everyone is so versatile we can swap in and be flexible.
"That’s good going into the tournament because different games will have different requirements to take advantage of the opposition. If people can be shifted around to suit the tactics then I think that’s a really good strength for us.
"It’s really exciting and a challenge to be a part of. It’s definitely been emphasised that (team selection) is going to be performance dependant and what’s required for each game. It’s not necessarily set in stone."
With Leah Williamson sidelined through injury and Millie Bright still fighting to be fit for the opening game, at centre back is arguably where the most question marks remain. Many anticipated Morgan's City teammate Alex Greenwood would be first choice to potentially partner Bright, but she was instead deployed at full back for the Portugal game.
Speaking on the newly formed partnership with Carter, Morgan highlighted their communication styles and how that helps on the pitch. The defender continued: "It’s funny how me, Jess (Carter) and Alex (Greenwood) have kind of changed positions from where we were in the season! I felt really comfortable, Jess is a great communicator and we get on really well off the pitch as well.
"I think that helps to get message across to each other and to communicate as quickly and efficiently as possible. I really enjoyed playing with her.
"It’s funny because, being on camp, you do make new partnerships with people you’re not used to. There’s been a couple of moments in training where we’ve been on different pages, but that’s what these prep games are all about. Getting yourself familiar with your teammates heading into the tournament."
