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England will continue their preparations for the 2023 World Cup in tonight’s Arnold Clark Cup showdown with Belgium.
Both sides come into the clash at Ashton Gate with two wins from two games, with the Lionesses aiming to defend their title.
The global showpiece in Australia and New Zealand is now less than five months away and Sarina Wiegman will be keeping a close eye on who impresses as she looks to shape a squad capable of winning the tournament for the first time.
We pick out five names who could shine for the European champions this summer.
Rachel Daly (Aston Villa)
Rachel Daly is already an established Lioness having started every game at left-back during the triumphant Euro 2022 campaign.
But the versatile Aston Villa star could find herself further forward as England’s starting striker this summer after some superb scoring form for club and country.
The 31-year-old leads the line for Villa and is the joint-top scorer in the Women’s Super League alongside Manchester City forward Khadija Shaw with 10 goals in 13 games.
She has also taken her chance when she has spearheaded Wiegman’s attack of late, scoring the opener against Norway in November before heading home both of England’s goals in the recent 2-1 win over Italy.
It looks to be a two-horse race between herself and Manchester United ace Alessia Russo to fill the shoes of the now retired Ellen White and the Harrogate-born talent is certainly making a strong case.
Lauren James (Chelsea)
Lauren James, sister to fellow Chelsea favourite Reece, has long been tipped as one of her country’s brightest prospects and is finally shining on a regular basis at club level.
Having missed out on Wiegman’s squad last summer due to injury, the 21-year-old attacker has featured in seven of England’s eight games since that final victory against Germany.
A regular starter for the WSL champions, the winger now looks primed to be one of the standout stars of the summer.
And with Ballon d’Or runner-up Beth Mead’s tournament in doubt due to an ACL injury, a starting spot in England’s forward line could well open up for James.
Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United)
Maya Le Tissier has enjoyed an upward trajectory in the last 12 months having become an instant regular at centre-back for Manchester United since her summer move from Brighton.
Her first steps on the international scene have followed after making her Lionesses debut in the 1-1 draw with Norway before also playing her part in the win over Italy.
Versatility is an attribute Wiegman looks for from her players and Le Tissier has featured out of position at right-back in both of her senior caps to date.
The Dutch boss said of the 20-year-old last year: “She has played in different positions at centre-back, at right-back, and sometimes defensive midfield.
“She has a natural leadership in her and is pretty outgoing. The younger players are doing good, I think it is a great opportunity for them.”
Katie Zelem (Manchester United)
Wiegman’s squads are often light in terms of midfield options but veteran Jill Scott’s summer retirement has opened up a potential spot on the plane.
Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone and Fran Kirby’s selections all look to be secure, leaving one place for a budding hopeful in the Lionesses’ engine room.
Manchester United’s Katie Zelem was unfortunate to miss out on last summer’s continental triumph but has returned to the international fold since and is producing some of the best form of her career for the title-chasing Red Devils.
The box-to-box midfielder looks to have a direct battle with 70-cap midfielder Jordan Nobbs, 30, who has made an impressive start to life at Aston Villa after ending her 13-year association with Arsenal.
Though Nobbs has experience over her competitor, 27-year-old Zelem’s expertise from the penalty spot for her club could be what sees her finally feature at a major tournament for the Lionesses.
Ebony Salmon (Houston Dash)
Though Russo and Daly are shaping up to be two solid options up front for the Lionesses, a third goalscorer will surely still be required.
Ebony Salmon, 22, has been another newcomer to England’s squads since the Euros and was in sensational form across the pond last term, scoring nine times in 13 league starts for Houston Dash.
The former Bristol City youngster beat Britain’s most expensive player Beth England to a place in Wiegman’s squad for the Arnold Clark Cup, which is certainly no mean feat.
With competition so fierce up top, the four-cap international will have to make the most of her minutes if she is to play her part in England’s bid to become World champions.
