Three Lions: England Preview & Group B Opponents

A two-page England preview and Group B guide. The preview accepts there were few surprises in selection while noting the absence of in-form Super League players such as Birmingham’s Rachel Williams and Everton’s Natasha Dowie, and question marks over the match fitness of Fara Williams and captain Faye White. It identifies a Katie Chapman-sized hole in midfield, praises Karen Bardsley’s handling, and concludes England are contenders for the final four if they avoid Germany in the quarters. Opponent profiles follow: Mexico, giant-killers of the United States in Cancun, with Maribel Dominguez the known name in Leonardo Cuellar’s improved squad; Japan, the toughie, built around Homare Sawa at a fifth World Cup; and John Herdman’s young New Zealand. Boxes list new stars to watch and players missing through injury.