Injuries and retirement shape England Women’s World Cup Squad

With England strong second favourites to lift the trophy, all eyes were on their recent squad announcement as people started to make their Women’s World Cup predictions. So let’s take a look at who made the squad and who missed out.

A smaller squad

The geography and timing of the Women’s World Cup tournament meant that Sarina Wiegman named a squad of just 23 players for Australia and New Zealand. Previously, for the home Euros tournament, 28 players were shortlisted. However travel costs, and issues with taking players so far who may never get to play, cut the squad to a more manageable number.

Naturally, it would be great for Wiegman to simply name her unstoppable Euros squad for the World Cup, but this is just not possible. Major tournaments are often targeted as the grand finale for a glittering career, and the Euros were no exception. Jill Scott famously headed from Wembley to the Jungle, and Ellen White also hung up her England boots after the famous victory, leaving the team short of experienced players.

A long injury list

England’s selection problems were added to by a long injury list, which included Euro 2022 top scorer, Beth Mead. Although Mead said she was ahead of schedule for recovery as recently as May, Wiegman decided that her fitness was too big a risk for her to be named in the squad. Captain Leah Williamson, midfielder Fran Kirby and goalkeeper Sandy MacIver are also ruled out.

Fortunately, several players who have been injured through the season are recovering right on time. Barcelona’s Lucy Bronze has bounced back from knee surgery in April, while Millie Bright is also well on her way back, with Wiegman telling reporters that “Millie is in a good place.” If fit, Euro vice-captain Bright will be slipping on the captain’s armband for England’s first game in Brisbane on July 22nd.

Impressive firepower

Fortunately, the England squad still boasts serious firepower, thanks to WSL golden boot winner, Rachel Daly, and second highest scorer, Bethany England. Despite starting at left back for every game at the Euros, Daly has been named as a forward, alongside an impressive line-up that includes Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo and the famous shirt swinger, Chloe Kelly.

The full England Women’s World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (Manchester United), Hannah Hampton (Aston Villa), Ellie Roebuck (Manchester City).

Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Esme Morgan (Manchester City), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal).

Midfielders: Laura Coombs (Manchester City), Jordan Nobbs (Aston Villa), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Barcelona), Katie Zelem (Manchester United).

Forwards: Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Bethany England (Tottenham Hotspur), Lauren Hemp, (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Katie Robinson (Brighton & Hove Albion), Alessia Russo (Manchester United).

Pick your teams today

Now England have picked their squad, it’s time for you to pick yours. The Noise Women’s World Cup predictions game is easy for everyone to play, and will bring your team together for some fun competition throughout the tournament. From 20th July until the final in Sydney on 20th August, all you have to do is predict the winners in each game to earn points.

When it comes to major finals, almost anything can happen, so everyone has a chance, however much, or little, they know about the beautiful game. The more daring your Women’s World Cup predictions, the more chance you’ll earn points when others don’t, so it can pay to think a little differently.

Whatever your Women’s World Cup predictions, with almost a million tickets sold for the tournament, and an estimated worldwide audience of 2billion viewers, we predict that it is going to be a huge success. So get in touch today to find out more about the Noise Women’s World Cup predictions game.