England have the opportunity to make it three consecutive Women’s World Cup semi-finals if they can find a way past Colombia in the last eight on Saturday.
Overall, the Lionesses have reached the semi-finals (or better) in each of their last four major tournaments, including European Championships in 2017 and 2022. Five beckons.
But things have been far from perfect so far this summer. Two laboured group stage performances and an intense last 16 battle with Nigeria in which they were second best but progressed on penalties have left England perhaps lucky to be still be in the tournament.
Sarina Wiegman has chopped and changed more than she ever has done, more through necessity than choice, and will have to continue to do so due to Lauren James’ suspension.
GK: Mary Earps – Nigeria went very close more than once, but England‘s number one is still yet to be beaten from open play at this World Cup and was an intimidating factor in the penalty shootout.
CB: Jess Carter – Defensively very dependable and knows a back three system inside out.
CB: Millie Bright – Probably still short of her best with only a handful of games since returning to action from a four-month injury layoff.
CB: Alex Greenwood – Good on the ball, so finding that connection with the midfield is going to be crucial if England are to get a decent attacking foothold.
RM: Lucy Bronze – Defensively suspect against Nigeria and fortunate not to concede a penalty that could have knocked England out. But she is elite going forward.
CM: Keira Walsh – Limped off after two hours on her return last time out, but that was put down to cramp and not an issue related to her earlier knee injury.
CM: Georgia Stanway – Arguably more important than ever now that teams are deliberately targeting Walsh in an attempt to shut England down.
LM: Rachel Daly – Fans are still clamouring for the 2022/23 WSL Golden Boot winner to start up front, but Wiegman has absolute trust in her on the left.
AM: Ella Toone – Could return to the starting XI in place of James. The alternative is pushing Stanway further forward and bringing in Katie Zelem next to Walsh in a double pivot to exert more control.
ST: Alessia Russo – The Arsenal forward has been a victim of England’s general lack of creativity at this World Cup and has only scored one goal because of it.
ST: Lauren Hemp – Limited impact last time out against Nigeria and is fighting Manchester City teammate Chloe Kelly for her place in this side.
WATCH FARA WILLIAMS PICK HER ALL-TIME LIONESSES XI
Girls On The Ball are joined by England legend Fara Williamsas she runs through an all-time Lionesses XI of her former international teammates!
