SYDNEY, Australia — The headlines when England won Euro 2022 revolved around the goal scorers. Beth Mead won the Golden Boot; Alessia Russo‘s incredible backheel against Sweden was played on repeat alongside Georgia Stanway‘s stunner against Sweden; then, of course, there was Chloe Kelly‘s historic extra-time winner against Germany in the final.
But this summer at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, it’s very different. The highlight reels should intersperse forward Lauren James‘ wonder goals with examples of defensive superiority. Bar the 6-1 demolition of China, England’s wins have been built from the back, achieved through clinical finishing but anchored by their new-look back three. The switch to playing three at the back against China was prompted by an injury to midfielder Keira Walsh, but despite having played with a defensive trio just once before under coach Sarina Wiegman, even when Walsh returned, England have retained that same familiar grouping of Jess Carter, Millie Bright and Alex Greenwood.
The England team that have reached the semifinals…
