England will want to get off to a good start at the 2023 Women’s World Cup and have their most favourable game of Group D up first when they face Haiti.
The Lionesses surged to Euro 2022 glory last summer, showcasing both ruthless efficiency and gutsy resilience as different challenges arose in the various rounds.
The team has already had to change substantially since then because of injuries to key players, as well as retirements. Preparation has therefore been tough without a clear strongest XI, but Sarina Wiegman is still a world class coach managing a group of top quality players.
GK: Mary Earps – The best stopper in the world is frustrated by Nike’s decision not to make replica England goalkeeper jerseys available for fans to buy.
RB: Lucy Bronze – Back at her third World Cup after previous tournaments in 2015 and 2019. She can often be relied upon for a spectacular goal as well as being defensively solid.
CB: Millie Bright (c) – Temporarily taking over the captaincy from Leah Williamson and declared fit for this game following her own injury problems in recent months.
CB: Alex Greenwood – Expected to get a lot of time on the ball and will at times operate like a deep-lying playmaker by stepping into midfield.
LB: Niamh Charles – Could get the nod ahead of Jess Carter, who is a more defensive option, given that the onus will be England to attack and break Haiti’s resilience.
CM: Georgia Stanway – The Bayern Munich star will provide the box-to-box energy in midfield, having played a huge role at Euro 2022 and coming off the back of a strong club season.
CM: Keira Walsh – Still the most expensive female player in football history, she will control the pace of the game by picking passes in midfield.
AM: Ella Toone – The most natural number 10 in the squad and comes into this tournament as an almost certain starter without the injured Fran Kirby.
RW: Lauren James – It comes down a 50/50 choice between her and Euro 2022 final hero Chloe Kelly. Either way, England will have a direct threat on the right flank.
ST: Rachel Daly – More ruthless and clinical than Alessia Russo, which could be important to settle any early England nerves after a few games without a goal for the team.
LW: Lauren Hemp – Already one of the best players in the world at the age of 22, but this tournament is another opportunity to underline and further her status.
