How England are shaping up for the Women’s World Cup

Strikers

A definite source of intrigue is who might spearhead England’s attack at this tournament. Last summer, when Wiegman had the same starting XI throughout the Euros, it was White, with Alessia Russo making for an impressively effective replacement from the bench.

On Saturday, Women’s Super League Golden Boot winner Rachel Daly started at centre-forward, with Russo – the division’s player of the year, who has just joined Arsenal after leaving Manchester United – coming on for her at half-time.

Both players were unable to net despite having a number of chances. Wiegman, who also has Bethany England to call upon as a striker, described that as having been “a little problem” but “not a worry”.

The rest of the attack

Wiegman’s starting front three on Saturday also included Lauren Hemp on the left and on the right – where Mead was so potent last summer – Lauren James. Changes at the interval then saw Chloe Kelly, the matchwinner as a substitute in the Euros final, come on and exciting Chelsea 21-year-old James switch to a deeper, central position as Ella Toone came off.

The attack full stop is an area of the team generating considerable interest as Wiegman ponders her selection for July 22, having said on Saturday she feels that “in some positions it’s really tight.”

Preparation

Following the weekend’s send-off fixture, the only other match England are scheduled to play before the World Cup starts is a behind-closed-doors game against Canada on July 14.

While Wiegman admitted ahead of the Portugal fixture that she would ideally have liked more warm-up game time, she described the schedule in place, with the travel involved, as “the best possible preparation we can have”, declaring herself “satisfied”, and has since said she feels England are “in a very good place”.

Looking at the England Women World Cup betting odds, the Lionesses are 9/4 to reach the final and evens to at least make the semis while they are clear favourites at 1/12 to win Group D.

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All odds and markets correct as of date of publication