So far we have taken a look at Germany, Sweden, Denmark and France.
Now it's England's turn.
England
England are a team on the rise. They have steadily risen up the rankings in women’s football in the last couple of years under the leadership of their coach Hope Powell. Powell took charge at England HQ in 1998 overseeing all age groups from Under 15’s to Under 21’s. Implementing a system that has produced a talented young squad.
Today England sit 5th in the European rankings and 9th in the world.
After a disappointing Euro 2005 on their home turf , the 2007 World Cup was a turnaround. Reaching the Quarter-Finals with good play, this was an indication of how far they had come and how far they could go.
Qualifying for this years European Championships was relatively straight forward with wins until the very last game against Spain. Having been 2-0 down at half-time. England fought back to 2-2 to get the point they needed to qualify.
This year in preparation for the European Championships they won their first tournament the Cyprus Cup with a win over Canada. Drawing with France on the way. The tournament win proved to the players and the rest of Europe that they can have an impact in the Championships and women’s football. Confidence is the key.
Fara Williams (Key Player)
There are quite a few key players for England but in our opinion Fara Williams is it.
Williams is England’s goal scoring midfielder.A competitive midfielder with an explosive shot. She is England’s engine room , their playmaker, their everything. It has been said by many if Williams plays well England play well. And for the past couple of years that is exactly what has been happening. She sets the tempo to how they play, screens her back four but is lethal in attack as well. Combining well with England’s forwards.
Blessed with a thunderous and accurate shot Williams has scored 25 goals from 70 appearances for England.
She has played and scored goals in both the 2005 European Championships and the 2007 World Cup.
Captained England to their first ever tournament win in the Cyprus Cup in March 2009 where they beat Canada to lift the cup.
William’s is England’s Vice-Captain to Faye White but with recent injuries to White Williams has taken on a more leadership role in the team. The team plays in the style she plays.
Voted England’s International Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year in the league for 2009.
Currently captains Everton Ladies. Taking them to a league cup win in 2008 and runner-up in the Women's premier league for the 2008/09 season.
There is more to come from Williams. Still only 25 years old, Euro 2009 could see her become one of the world’s best midfielders, if she isn’t already. And then who knows, WPS?
Teams there are crying out for midfielders like her.
Karen Carney (Fresh Face)
At just 22 years old with 48 caps you would be thinking that Carney has been around for a long time. Well she has, but we still see her as a fresh face.
She became the youngest player to be called to the senior England side at 17.
On the pitch, Carney delivers pace and incision, whether playing up front or more often on the wing. Has scored 7 times for England and has matured in each tournament and is still improving.
With accuracy from both feet Carney is the provider to the forwards. No matter what wing she is on she will take on defenders, drive into the box for a shot on goal or create a chance for her teamates.
Was instrumental in Arsenal Ladies quadruple season.
Was twice voted the FA’s Young Player of the Year.
March 2009 moved to WPS team Chicago Red Stars in USA where she proved a big hit with the Chicago fans and the soccer pundits. Adapting to a new style of play and scoring 2 goals.
Has improved her game now she is a professional player and the sky is the limit as to how far she goes.
It also doesn’t hurt when your teamate is the Brazilian international Cristiane.
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