England at the Women's World Cup
England are already being touted as one of the top four favourites to win the competition and it’s no wonder why.
The Lionesses come into the Women’s World Cup brimming with confidence after an impressive showing at the 2019 SheBelieves Cup.
The annual tournament that takes place in the United States saw England see off prime competition in Japan, Brazil and current World Champions the USA to claim their first SheBelieves Cup.
Time to believe
England successfully defeated Brazil and Japan, while a draw with the USA ensured they topped the group and took home the trophy.
England will be hoping to go all the way this summer in France
A mixed record at the finals
The Lionesses have a mixed record at World Cup finals. Having failed to qualify for three of the previous seven tournaments, when England have shown up they’ve managed to make it to the quarter finals on all but one occasion.
The previous tournament, the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada saw them finish an impressive third place after defeating Germany in the third place playoff.
Fast forward two years to the 2017 Euros in the Netherlands and the English once again made it to the semis. Topping their group they went on to beat this year’s hosts France before succumbing to eventual winners the Netherlands. Not bad.
- China 1991 - Did not qualify
- Sweden 1995 - Quarter finals
- USA 1999 - Did not qualify
- USA 2003 - Did not qualify
- China 2007 - Quarter finals
- Germany 2011 - Quarter finals
- Canada 2015 - Third place
Enter Phil Neville
Since Phil Neville took over the manager’s role ahead of the 2018 SheBelieves Cup where England finished runners up they’ve gone strength to strength.
"England could go on to dominate world football" - Neville
England stormed undefeated through their World Cup qualification group, only dropping points in a solitary draw at home to wales. On top of that the Lionesses only conceded once through the whole campaign on a difficult trip away to Russia.
England boss Phil Neville loves to play fast flowing, attacking football
England's Women's World Cup Squad
Phil Neville has named a squad that’s brimming with talent but is erring on the inexperienced side. 11 players will be stepping out into the World Cup with no prior experience in the competition.
This England squad is packed with talent
England fans can be confident that there is some experience running through the squad. England captain and centurion Steph Houghton was no doubt the first name on the list, while Karen Carney and Jill Scott will be at their fourth consecutive World Cup Finals.
Goalkeepers
- Karen Bardsley (Man City), Mary Earps (Wolfsburg), Carly Telford (Chelsea)
Defenders
- Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Lyon), Rachel Daly (Houston Dash), Alex Greenwood (Man United), Steph Houghton (Captain, Man City), Abbie McManus (Man City), Demi Stokes (Man City), Leah Williamson (Arsenal)
Midfielders
- Karen Carney (Chelsea), Jade Moore (Reading), Jill Scott (Man City), Lucy Staniforth (Birmingham City), Georgia Stanway (Man City), Keira Walsh (Man City)
Forwards
- Toni Duggan (Barcelona), Fran Kirby (Chelsea), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Nikita Parris (Man City), Jodie Taylor (Seattle Reign), Ellen White (Birmingham City)
The big omissions come in the form of midfielders Izzy Christiansen and Fara Williams. Lyon midfielder Christiansen was an injury concern.
The verdict? This England squad is packed with talent, experience and attacking prowess but there are serious concerns that it this England squad aren’t the finished article.
England Women’s World Cup Fixtures
As one of the top four favourites the Lionesses are expected to top their group. England have been drawn into Group D alongside Scotland, Argentina and Japan.
It represents a difficult, but not impossible group England to make it out of. Both Scotland and Argentina are competing at their first World Cup Finals, but there’s certainly no love lost between those two and the English. That could add a little spice to the mix.
England’s first test with be against neighbours Scotland on Sunday 9 June, before going up against Argentina and Japan.
The Japanese who were champions in 2011 will be arguably the toughest task England have to make it to the knockout stages. The two faced off at the 2019 SheBelieves Cup where England won comfortably 0-3.
- 9 June: vs. Scotland (17.00) Nice
- 14 June: vs. Argentina (20.00) Le Havre
- 19 June: vs. Japan (20.00) Nice
Can England win the World Cup?
Expect goals. This incarnation of the England, Neville’s England like to attack which isn’t surprising seeing the England manager honed his skills under the stewardship of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Winning tournaments is about getting the balance right
During the qualifiers England scored 14 goals, only failing to score in one match. Since Neville took over they’ve scored three or more goals on six occasions.
Don’t be surprised though with that attacking mentality if there is a touch of naivety to this England side. Neville will want to bomb forward, but winning tournaments is about getting the balance right.
With the potential of facing the likes of the USA, Germany, France and Netherlands in the latter stages the Lionesses will need to show maturity and adaptability in France this summer.
