I have thought for a few seasons that MLT would be the natural replacement for Bronze. With the switch to CB at United perhaps it’ll be a similar situation to Greenwood, who was a LB pre-City, and she’ll only play the FB role for country? Personally if United lose Batlle I’d like MLT to return to the RB position and ultimately replace Bronze. I would definitely take her to WC. Morgan looked well out of her depth last night. The main issue I have with Zelem is that she is not the right player for a single pivot system. Her best performances for United are when she’s alongside Ladd, who gets nowhere near enough recognition. Walsh prefers this system to a double
Pivot and that’s works great alongside Stanway who can then play the box-to-box role of an 8.
I think it's interesting that the starting XI options seem so settled, which I don't think is always the case with major tournaments - think it's mainly just the CB choices and how that affects nearby positions (i.e. Greenwood could play LB if she's not at CB; Williamson could play CM if she's not at CB) that's up in the air for the starting lineup. Wonder if we'll get some interesting vibes/future-planning calls that are less about their expected impact on the pitch in Australia
Yeah it's a strange position to be in where realistically given Wiegman's management, you are looking at a 23 player squad where only 14 players might be used. That being said I do find the recent lean towards future prospects surprising given how much she relied on Jill Scott/Nikita Parris during the extra time periods of the Euros. Seems to be a bit of a gear shift there
Great breakdown of the squad. Biased United fan but it shocks me that Maya hasn't been used and glad you pointed out how well she's done this season. Felt like the perfect chance to see her last night given she can play those very direct long balls.
My biggest thing is Zelem. I just can't really see why she doesn't get into the squad. Walsh is the best at that position potentially in the world so sure, she's not gonna start. But I really can't see the argument for her not deserving a spot when she's probably the only other English player to play the 6 in a very good United team. I think she's knackered from this season and deserved rest this break. But she can play the deepest midfield role, can play long or recycle possession and regularly covers for a default right winger fullback so could suit a team with Lucy bronze in.
Feel like she doesn't get talked about as missing out anywhere near players like England or Nobbs. I think she deserves to be in the squad even if she didn't play a minute at the world cup.
I agree I'd personally take MLT and Zelem. I'm not really sure what more Zelem can do - I can only assume that Wiegman is happy to see Williamson as her midfield back up and that's why she doesn't really get a look in. I guess because Zelem has never really been in the squad, people don't focus so much on her being out of it which does always surprise me
Yeah, I guess it makes sense having Williamson cover as she can do it and it's an experienced player if we do have to cover Walsh. I just think Zelem deserved the chance, think she's been overlooked in general this season by our own fans in particular. I quite like her and I'd just enjoy England having a more balanced squad.
I have thought for a few seasons that MLT would be the natural replacement for Bronze. With the switch to CB at United perhaps it’ll be a similar situation to Greenwood, who was a LB pre-City, and she’ll only play the FB role for country? Personally if United lose Batlle I’d like MLT to return to the RB position and ultimately replace Bronze. I would definitely take her to WC. Morgan looked well out of her depth last night. The main issue I have with Zelem is that she is not the right player for a single pivot system. Her best performances for United are when she’s alongside Ladd, who gets nowhere near enough recognition. Walsh prefers this system to a double
Pivot and that’s works great alongside Stanway who can then play the box-to-box role of an 8.
I think it's interesting that the starting XI options seem so settled, which I don't think is always the case with major tournaments - think it's mainly just the CB choices and how that affects nearby positions (i.e. Greenwood could play LB if she's not at CB; Williamson could play CM if she's not at CB) that's up in the air for the starting lineup. Wonder if we'll get some interesting vibes/future-planning calls that are less about their expected impact on the pitch in Australia
Yeah it's a strange position to be in where realistically given Wiegman's management, you are looking at a 23 player squad where only 14 players might be used. That being said I do find the recent lean towards future prospects surprising given how much she relied on Jill Scott/Nikita Parris during the extra time periods of the Euros. Seems to be a bit of a gear shift there
Great breakdown of the squad. Biased United fan but it shocks me that Maya hasn't been used and glad you pointed out how well she's done this season. Felt like the perfect chance to see her last night given she can play those very direct long balls.
My biggest thing is Zelem. I just can't really see why she doesn't get into the squad. Walsh is the best at that position potentially in the world so sure, she's not gonna start. But I really can't see the argument for her not deserving a spot when she's probably the only other English player to play the 6 in a very good United team. I think she's knackered from this season and deserved rest this break. But she can play the deepest midfield role, can play long or recycle possession and regularly covers for a default right winger fullback so could suit a team with Lucy bronze in.
Feel like she doesn't get talked about as missing out anywhere near players like England or Nobbs. I think she deserves to be in the squad even if she didn't play a minute at the world cup.
I agree I'd personally take MLT and Zelem. I'm not really sure what more Zelem can do - I can only assume that Wiegman is happy to see Williamson as her midfield back up and that's why she doesn't really get a look in. I guess because Zelem has never really been in the squad, people don't focus so much on her being out of it which does always surprise me
Yeah, I guess it makes sense having Williamson cover as she can do it and it's an experienced player if we do have to cover Walsh. I just think Zelem deserved the chance, think she's been overlooked in general this season by our own fans in particular. I quite like her and I'd just enjoy England having a more balanced squad.