It is honest to say the enjoyment all-around this England squad ahead of the Environment Cup was centered on their up-and-coming young gamers.
The awareness was on the likes of Alessia Russo, Lauren James and Lauren Hemp and regardless of whether they could sparkle on the huge stage. James did, just before her pink card in opposition to Nigeria soured issues, and Russo and Hemp are developing into the match.
But it is the older, wiser and far more seasoned heads in the defensive line that have dragged England into the semi-finals of this World Cup.
There experienced been worry coming into this event that the Lionesses lacked people characteristics. Ellen White and Jill Scott, who both retired just after last year’s European Championship, had 274 caps in between them.
But the back again 5, often 3, sometimes 4 is in which the know-how and expertise lies.
Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp have been growing into the tournament, whilst the backline have been praised for their reliable defence and working experience at on the largest stage
The attention was on the likes of Alessia Russo, Lauren James and Lauren Hemp and no matter if they could sparkle on the large stage, James did, however her pink card has created her absent
The Lionesses have conceded just two goals in five online games so significantly, just one from open enjoy and one particular penalty. The back 3 of Jess Carter, Millie Vivid and Alex Greenwood was solid in England’s quarter-ultimate earn over Colombia on Saturday.
Greenwood has been Sarina Wiegman’s most steady player Down Beneath and Dazzling is not significantly guiding her.
Greenwood acquired her 80th cap versus Colombia and Vivid is now on 71. Greenwood has made more thriving passes than any player at this Entire world Cup. On Saturday she attempted and done four dribbles — a stat that would make any attacking player very pleased.
Bright was a tad rusty in the opening match from Haiti, with the Lionesses’ captain getting not performed a competitive recreation due to the fact March immediately after knee surgical treatment. But from match two onwards she has been a rock, just as she was at Euro 2022.
Carter was a fringe player very last summer months and is the minimum experienced participant in Wiegman’s back line with just 18 caps. But the Chelsea defender has appeared assured and composed together with her two centre-again associates.
Lucy Bronze and Rachel Daly have had to adapt to new wing-again roles with England’s swap to a 3-4-1-2 formation due to the fact their third video game against China.
There are even now defensive vulnerabilities, with both of those whole backs pushed to the limit so significantly during the knockout stages.
But, alongside with the 3 centre backs, Bronze and Daly’s practical experience was essential to England seeing out further time against Nigeria with 10 players in the very last 16 and closing out their quarter-remaining versus Colombia.
With 110 caps, Bronze is the most expert participant in this group and Daly is on 74
Goalkeeper Mary Earps experienced only played 8 periods for her region in advance of Wiegman was appointed in 2021, but now she is one of the Lionesses’ most invaluable players
‘We know how tough it is to get this much and we know how to get to the last and win game titles,’ mentioned Bronze. ‘Our performances haven’t been our best, granted, but the success have been there and we have got to the semi-remaining, which is what this England crew is known for carrying out.’
With 110 caps, Bronze is the most skilled player in this crew and Daly is on 74. It is when England’s backs are from the wall, as they normally have been at this Environment Cup, that they reply.
It is just about as if gamers these as Vibrant love possessing the kitchen area sink thrown at them. She and Greenwood prosper in that setting.
‘Ultimately we can grind it out,’ reported Vibrant. ‘The game titles aren’t constantly as extravagant but it is usually about the end result and getting the job completed.’
Lucy Bronze and Rachel Daly have had to adapt to new wing-back roles with England’s change to a 3-4-1-2 formation since their third match versus China in which they defeat them 6-1
Goalkeeper and vice-captain Mary Earps has also been essential to England’s defensive resilience. Earps, 30, has only 39 caps but qualified prospects by case in point.
Earps experienced only played 8 moments for her country right before Wiegman was appointed as manager in 2021, but now she is a single of the Lionesses’ most crucial gamers.
She marshalls the back again line, is sturdy in the air and can be relied upon to make crucial will save — even if she has gone extensive periods of the activity with no acquiring to do so.
England may possibly have struggled for ambitions at instances in the course of this event, but their defensive line has been strong and reputable. Only a penalty for China and a purpose by Colombia’s Leicy Santos which was supposed as a cross have designed it earlier Earps.
The Lionesses will need their professional heads to tutorial them by yet again if they are to beat hosts Australia in Wednesday’s semi-closing.