Tokyo 2020: projecting Team GB’s women’s football team

With a new state of emergency for Tokyo and its surrounding prefectures having been declared by Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga last Thursday, the fate of this year’s Olympic Games, which are just seven months away, appear to be increasingly uncertain.

Also hanging in the balance is the appointment of Team GB’s women’s football manager. Although Lionesses’ boss Phil Neville has expressed his desire to lead the team, recent rumours have linked him to a coaching role with David Beckham’s Inter Miami which would likely exclude him from the position.

Whoever eventually takes over the reins of the side will face the tough task of narrowing down an extensive selection of talent from across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to a squad of just eighteen players.

Since the last Team GB women’s football team was formed in 2012, the number of rising stars who represent each of the Four Nations has undoubtedly sky rocketed, in turn increasing the competition for spots within the squad.

It is fair to say that I do not envy the future Team GB head coach in deciding who is our best chance at gold, however after much deliberation I have narrowed it down to the eighteen players who I would choose to give a place to on the plane to Tokyo.

Goalkeepers

Sandy MacIver | Age: 22 | Team: Everton | Nation: England

Although MacIver is yet to make her debut senior appearance, her talent has already been proved in youth competitions. She was part of an England squad that won bronze at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in 2018, a tournament where she was subsequently awarded the Golden Glove for her outstanding performance. In the 2020 FA Cup final between Everton and Manchester City, she was undoubtedly the star of the show, making countless stellar saves – a performance which would surely be replicated in Tokyo.

Ellie Roebuck |Age: 21 | Team: Manchester City | Nation: England

Despite her youth, Roebuck received her senior call up back in 2018 and has made several international appearances since. However, it is with Manchester City that her skill and composure in front of the net has truly been put in the spotlight. Roebuck succeeded in keeping a clean sheet during her debut WSL fixture against Chelsea and last season she was awarded Barclays FA WSL Golden Glove for her consistent performance, considered by some as the best in the league.

Defenders

Lucy Bronze | Age: 29 | Team: Manchester City | Nation: England

It would be impossible not to include one of (if not) the best right-backs in women’s football within a squad that is going for gold. Bronze has countless accolades to her name, including most recently being given the title of The Best FIFA Women’s Player in December 2020, however, just five minutes spent watching her work her magic on the pitch is all that is needed to appreciate her skill. Bronze’s capability to make speedy, uninterrupted runs all the way into the final third shows she goes above and beyond as a defender and she is known for also having netted long-range, powerful shots herself. With Bronze on their side, Team GB would surely be feared by every opponent.

Millie Bright | Age: 27 | Team: Chelsea | Nation: England

Having recently been awarded a coveted spot within the FIFA World 11, Millie Bright’s place within the Team GB squad should be undisputable. A back four including the Chelsea defender would emanate strength and solidity, as well as a sense of tenacity to drive the ball further up the pitch through thunderous tackles. Bright’s tireless work-rate on the pitch has seen her emerge as a leader and a figure for her team-mates to rely on, with her powerful passes out from the back often instigating an attack.

Steph Houghton | Age: 32 | Team: Manchester City | Nation: England

As the oldest member of the Team GB squad, England captain Steph Houghton’s experience of international competition, combined with leadership, would prove indispensable. Despite playing in a left-back position, Houghton became Team GB’s top-goal scorer at the 2012 Olympics after scoring in all three group games to help the side advance with a 100% record. The Manchester City star was also named left back of the tournament for her overall outstanding performance which saw the team avoid conceding a single goal until they were knocked out of the competition. Although it may be a long shot considering her feat was achieved over eight years ago, there is still hope that Houghton could replicate her performance this summer.

Jen Beattie | Age: 29 | Team: Arsenal | Nation: Scotland

As the only non-English player within the Team GB defence, Jen Beattie’s skill set would only advance the strength of her English team-mate’s defensive capabilities. Having been described as a ‘back-bone’, Beattie is not afraid to get physically involved in the game, with her stature proving to be at times, menacing. A threat during set-pieces as well as when she finds herself up front with the ball, for a defender, she has an impressive scoring record. Using her durability and physicality to her advantage, Beattie would certainly go the extra mile to avoid letting a ball hit the back of her net.

Leah Williamson | Age: 23 | Team: Arsenal| Nation: England

Although she may be the youngest of the defenders, Leah Williamson is not short on experience, after recently making her 150^th appearance for Arsenal and increasingly being featured in England’s starting eleven. The center-back’s versatility and ability to position herself on the pitch would usually be found in a much older player, however, her performance only proves her talent and knowledge of the game which seems to be ever-increasing. In addition to this, Williamson’s athleticism combined with her excellent passes would prove to be incredibly useful for Team GB.

Demi Stokes | Age: 29 | Team: Manchester City | Nation: England

Having made regular appearances for England since 2014, Demi Stokes is a reliable provider of cool, calm and collected performances on an international stage. Her lightning pace has seen her close down on opponents quickly, before making swift and clean tackles to regain dominance of the game. Although Stokes would be competing for a starting left-back position, she would also prove to be a valuable substitute, providing an abundance of energy and speed to switch up the game if necessary.

Midfielders

Jordan Nobbs | Age: 28 | Team: Arsenal | Nation: England

After suffering from a devastating ACL injury in 2019 which crushed her dreams of playing in the World Cup, Jordan Nobbs has bounced back with a bang since her recovery – her place within the squad is a no-brainer. An extremely well-rounded player, Nobbs is full of creativity and flair on the pitch, and importantly she is typically found either assisting or scoring goals. Her nerves of steel and assured sense of play make her a mighty weapon that could be unleashed at any moment.

Kim Little | Age: 30 | Team: Arsenal | Nation: Scotland

Arsenal’s captain is undoubtedly one of the best midfielders in the WSL, making Kim Little an asset for Team GB. The Scotland international is often found providing crucial support to the defence whilst proving her intelligence through her spatial awareness, filling and utilising gaps when necessary. Her dribbling ability paired with her speed gives her a massive advantage when attacking, with Little often shooting on target from way outside of the box.

Keira Walsh | Age: 23 | Team: Manchester City | Nation: England

Keira Walsh’s style of play is certainly unlike much of her fellow national team midfielders, which sometimes allows her to slip under the radar. Although she is by no means the most physical or forceful player on the pitch, she is able to successfully maintain dominance through her technical ability, accurately pinpointing balls which has seen her with several impressive assists. Despite her youth, she certainly has wisdom and would provide a sense of versatility within the Team GB squad.

Sophie Ingle | Age: 29 | Team: Chelsea | Nation: Wales

Wales’ captain and Chelsea midfielder Sophie Ingle is a clear leader on the pitch and is incredibly deserving of a place within the Team GB squad. Although she predominantly plays as a central midfielder, Ingle has shown versatility in also appearing as a winger, proving to be successful in pressing her opponent to regain possession of the ball in all positions. Ingle is also known for her tactical and precise passes which often initiate an attack as she aims to quickly place the ball in an open space, leaving the opposition struggling to recover.

Caroline Weir| Age: 25| Team: Manchester City| Nation: Scotland

Although some argue that Caroline Weir has not yet reached her peak, she has already achieved some outstanding performances for both club and country. She is a master at one-touch passing which allows her team to press on quickly with the game, and is also known for her ability to pick up possession in midfield and drive it with ease into the box due to her confident dribbling. Her defensive ability is also impressive, proving that she can switch gears in an instant.

Forwards

Fran Kirby | Age: 27 | Team: Chelsea | Nation: England

After missing nine months on the pitch due to suffering from pericarditis, Chelsea’s Fran Kirby could not have made a better return. Her athleticism, speed and ability to pick the perfect pass were recently proven as she confidently netted four goals past Reading, including a perfect hat-trick. With what seems to be a new lease of life after a long period of recovery, Kirby would surely revel as a forward for Team GB, treating spectators to a masterclass of agility, confidence and incredible goals.

Nikita Parris | Age: 26 | Team: Olympique Lyonnais | Nation: England

Often featured in the starting eleven of the best women’s football club in the world, Team GB could not go to Tokyo missing the contribution of right-winger, Nikita Parris. Her link-up play within the middle third is highly impressive, with the partnership often see between her and Lucy Bronze allowing her to quickly move into the positions that she has cleverly picked out. Parris can be seen weaving in and out of defenders with speed and ease, giving them no chance to recover and her the opportunity to exploit their mistakes when she strikes at goal.

Beth England | Age: 26| Team: Chelsea | Nation: England

Having been named 2020 FA WSL Player of the Year, Beth England’s talent as a forward is undeniable. Last season, she scored 14 goals in 15 WSL games which were of a spectacular variety. England could be, at times, described as a goal-scoring machine, hitting the back of the net with sheer force from afar or simply tapping the ball in from up close – she can do it all. A place in Team GB would truly allow her skillset to be put in the spotlight.

Erin Cuthbert | Age: 22 | Team: Chelsea | Nation: Scotland

Erin Cuthbert proved to have a successful performance at the 2019 Women’s World Cup, and it is certain she would build upon this if she were to go to Tokyo with Team GB. With a preference for playing out wide, coupled with a sense of ease when the ball is at her feet, Cuthbert proves to be a real threat for left and right backs, often driving them to 1 on 1 battle. If she is not aiming for a goal herself, she can be found powerfully driving the ball into the penalty area and creating endless opportunities for her fellow forwards.

Ellen White | Age: 31 | Team: Manchester City | Nation: England

Ellen White emerged as a prolific goal scorer at the 2019 Women’s World Cup, walking away from the competition with the Bronze Boot, which is a performance she would hope to replicate or even improve upon as part of Team GB. Most of her magic happens within the final third, where her nimble touch allows her to execute quick and precise passes whilst she positions herself in the penalty box. It is right in front of the goal where White has become a master of fantastic finishes and fulfilling her role as a striker.