IN a month’s time England begin their the defence of their European Championship crown in Switzerland.
Build-up to this year’s Euros has not been plain sailing in terms of some results on the pitch and shock announcements off it.
GettyEngland will compete in the Euros without vice captain Millie Bright following her withdrawal from selection before the tournament[/caption]
Fran Kirby called time on her England playing career after being informed she would not be included in Sarina Wiegman’s squad for this year’s EurosGetty
APMary Earps announced her international retirement five weeks before the start of the tournament in Switzerland[/caption]
Today Sarina Wiegman will name the players included in her 23-strong England group who will battle for Euros glory.
Three who will not be on her list are Mary Earps, Fran Kirby and Millie Bright.
The trio were among the standout performers during England’s triumphant Euros charge three years ago.
Five weeks before the start of this year’s contest Mary Earps announced her retirement from international football.
Then came Fran Kirby, 31, hanging up her England boots after being informed that she would not be part of the squad for next month’s contest.
And yesterday vice captain Bright withdrew herself from selection after bravely explaining her need to do so for her “health and future in the game”.
The Chelsea captain’s announcement followed a season in which she skippered her club to a domestic trophy treble,
On the Daly Brightness podcast she hosts with former England ace Rachel Daly, Bright explained her decision was not taken lightly.
Yesterday she said: “It was something that I’d spoken about with friends, family, the people around me, and I gave it a lot of thought.
“But ultimately, I thought this was the best decision for the team, but also for myself and using this summer to zone into mentally, physically, getting myself back in tip-top condition.”
“It’s obviously hard, but I’m going to be the girls’ number one supporter and I know they’re going to go on and smash it.”
Bright, Earps and Kirby have played a huge part in England’s recent success with all playing in every single game of their last Euros campaign.
With all three unavailable for England, here is a look at who will fill the void at this year’s Euros.
GettyHannah Hampton will be England’s first choice goalkeeper at this year’s Euros, her first major international tournament[/caption]
Goalkeeper options
England’s shot stopper starter question has been answered with Hannah Hampton in place as their No1 for the Euros.
The Chelsea player won her battle for a starting spot with Earps after emerging as a first team regular under Wiegman.
This year Hampton has started in five of their last six Nations League games following Earps’ last start (final international appearance) on February 21.
While England’s away form in the contest has been mixed, including a 2-1 loss to world champions Spain this week, Hampton kept clean sheets on three of those occasions.
This includes their 1-0 win against the World Cup winners who are among their main rivals at this year’s Euros.
While Hampton is set to be England’s starter in goal, it is not entirely clear who will be the next automatic choice after her.
England have options in Anna Moorhouse and Man City’s Khiara Keating although both are yet to make their senior international debuts.
Last October Moorhouse won the National Women’s Soccer League shield with top-flight American club Orlando Pride
A month later the former West Ham goalkeeper set a new record for the most clean sheets in a NWSL season with 13 in 26 games.
A friendly clash with Jamaica as England’s final game before their Euros opener against France could be an opportunity to see Moorhouse or Keating tested.
AlamyAnna Moorhouse and Khiara Keating are yet to make their senior international debuts[/caption]
Playmaker and forward options
Should Lauren James win her race back to fitness from a hamstring problem, she and Jess Park are likely to be England’s primary attacking midfielders as well as Ella Toone.
All three have been deployed in the number 10 role under Wiegman although Toone and James have faced battles with injury in recent months.
England also have Beth Mead’s creative capabilities from the wing.
This week Wiegman revealed James was progressing well with her recovery from a hamstring issue.
It is hoped the forward, who shone for England at the 2023 World Cup, will be fit enough to compete at the Euros.
AlamyLauren James hopes to win her race to back to fitness ahead of the Euros with England facing France in their Group D opener[/caption]
Central defence
With Bright’s withdrawal Alex Greenwood is likely to be deployed alongside Williamson in central defence.
The Man City skipper’s vision and versatility have made her one of England’s most dependable figures in their backline.
Her set-piece delivery skills will be a useful asset for the team.
With 98 caps she is also one of England’s most experienced players on the pitch and a calming presence on the pitch.
GettyAlex Greenwood is likely partner Lioness captain Leah Williamson in the centre of England’s defence[/caption]
Aside from Greenwood, England also have the option of Jess Carter.
The ex-Chelsea defender, who won the Concacaf Champions Cup with Gotham FC , is more than capable of operating centrally or as a full-back.
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