LAURA WOODS: My Starting XI for the Women's Euro Final
GOALKEEPER: HANNAH HAMPTON
The ‘keeper of the tournament so far, she just hasn’t let England down. Her distribution is exceptional, and her heart is extraordinary. Her saves have kept England in the Euros, and she’s the first name on my team sheet. Literally and figuratively.
RIGHT-BACK: LUCY BRONZE
What an absolute warrior. She has played out her skin, and is the experience in this side. I just hope she gets a proper rest before the final because we need her work rate and attitude.
CENTRE-BACK: LEAH WILLIAMSON & ESME MORGAN
There is no need to change this up despite an injury worry for Williamson after the quarter-final against Sweden, and the odd shaky moment. I think Morgan has done more than enough to keep her place, and of course, Leah is captain.
LEFT-BACK: ALEX GREENWOOD
Greenwood provides much-needed experience in a position England are weak in. She could have stuck at centre-back, but she’s proven to be more than capable cover on the left-hand side, and she keeps her place there for the final.
MIDFIELD: KIERA WALSH, ELLA TOONE & GEORGIA STANWAY
I wouldn’t change Walsh, Stanway and Toone in midfield right now. The three of them are ultra-dependable, and I think it’s the most stable midfield Sarina Wiegman has. Importantly, they all have experience of success in a final, with Walsh and Stanway starting the win over Germany in 2022.
RIGHT WING: CHLOE KELLY
I think she has done more than enough! Yes, I love her off the bench, but Lauren James wasn’t fit in the semis and struggled, forcing her to come off at half time. Beth Mead is usually the go-to to but Chloe has that bit of magic in her.
The great thing is, Sarina does have options here. The way these games are going, we’ll see a lot of both Mead and Kelly, whoever gets the nod to start.
LEFT WING: LAUREN HEMP
Lauren Hemp worked her socks off against Italy. She was tireless despite clearly being exhausted and played the full 120 minutes. England need one last push from her. She starts for me.
STRIKER: MICHELLE AGYEMANG
I want Michelle Agyeman to start. I know she’s green, but I don’t care. She's managed to change games in minutes, so imagine what she could do if you give her a start.
At 19, she’s young, yet so mature; the composure for her equaliser against Italy showed that. Agyemang is the complete athlete, and I think she’s ready for it. I’m not the England manager, though, so we’ll see who Sarina chooses!
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It's showtime!
