Despite being ranked sixth by FIFA, England are definitely a member of the second-tier of teams at the tournament and far off being one of the favourites—possibly a dark horse but that’s even an extremely generous prediction. This team is nowhere near the level and standard of the top-four nations (Germany, USA, France and Japan) vying to hoist the trophy on July 5 at BC Place in Vancouver. A good showing would be a spot in the semifinals, but anything less than a quarterfinal appearance would be seen as a step backwards.
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Roster
Goalkeepers: Karen Bardsley, Siobhan Chamberlain and Carly Telford
Defenders: Laura Bassett, Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood, Steph Houghton, Claire Rafferty, Alex Scott and Casey Stoney
Midfielders: Katie Chapman, Jade Moore, Jordan Nobbs, Josanne Potter, Jill Scott and Fara Williams
Forwards: Eniola Aluko, Karen Carney, Toni Duggan, Fran Kirby, Lianne Sanderson, Jodie Taylor and Ellen White
Coach
Mark Sampson took over duties of the women’s program after the sacking of Hope Powell—England’s first-ever full-time women’s coach. The later was let go after failing to get the Three Lionesses out of the group stage of the 2013 European Championship. Sampson’s experience is not that extensive, having managed Welsh club Taff’s Well A.F.C. and Bristol Academy W.F.C.
Schedule
June 9: vs. France in Moncton
June 13: vs. Mexico in Moncton
June 17: vs. Colombia in Montreal
How they qualified
England literally obliterated their competition in the qualification process— finishing a perfect 10-0 with 52 goals scored and conceding only once. However, don’t read too much into this, as their opponents were not of the highest standard.
Team strengths
It’s always a positive when your team’s foundation is made up of a seasoned group in the midst of their prime years—Enoila Aluko (28), Jill Scott (28), Karen Carney (27) and Steph Houghton (27). Combine that with a collection of experienced veterans—Fara Williams (31), Katie Chapman (32), Alex Scott (30) and Casey Stoney (33)—which makes the teams core incredibly strong.
Team weaknesses
Similar to the men’s side, the ladies seem to always choke under immense pressure. Thankfully, the media focus isn’t as intense for the Three Lionesses compared with the Three Lions. The resources are there; in regards to development, quality and a competitive professional league. Yet, England continues to trail the leading women’s football nations by a significant margin. They really have no credible excuses for their ineptitude, and there isn’t one area of weakness that can be pinpointed more so than another.
Player to watch
Current Chelsea Ladies forward Enoila Aluko scored 13 of England’s 52 goals in World Cup qualifying and averages roughly one goal every three matches for her country. The 28 year-old is also closing in on a century of caps with the national side.
Burning question
Can Sampson do what Powell failed to do in 17 years and guide the Three Lionesses to the last four? England has exited the tournament at the quarterfinal stage in back-to-back World Cups.
Prospects
Although they were drawn in the same group with France—who beat England 3-0 at the 2013 European Championship—the odds of at the very least equalling their performance from 2011 is quite realistic. Whether England wins group F or finish second, their possible round of 16 opponents will most likely be either Spain, South Korea, Ivory Coast or Norway.
World Cup history
1991 – Did not qualify
1995 – Quarterfinal
1999 – Did not qualify
2003 – Did not qualify
2007 – Quarterfinal
2011 – Quarterfinal