England Women’s opening game of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015 is just hours away and the anticipation is building...
There could be as many as five Manchester City Women’s stars taking to the pitch tonight for the Three Lionesses in their Group F clash with France.
Captain Steph Houghton, Karen Bardsley, Lucy Bronze, Toni Duggan and Jill Scott have all made the trip to Canada and will be hoping to feature against a side tipped by some as favourites to lift the trophy.
The quintet all have a wealth of international experience, having collected more than 230 senior appearances between them. Some have also competed in a World Cup before, while others have secured success with their country at youth level.
Brush up on your knowledge with our mini-profiles...
Karen Bardsley
Position: Goalkeeper
Senior international appearances: 44
Despite being born in California, shot-stopper Karen Bardsley, who joined City in November 2013, opted to play for England, as she was eligible to do so through family connections.
After representing the Three Lionesses at youth level, the goalkeeper made her senior debut against Northern Ireland in March 2005 and has gone on to make 44 appearances in white.
Having patiently served as understudy to Rachel Brown, Bardsley was thrown into the mix when Brown suffered an injury and Bardsley went on to play all four matches at the 2011 World Cup.
Since then, she has staked her claim to become England’s number one and will hope to play a major role in her side’s bid for the trophy this time around.
Steph Houghton
Position: Defender
Senior international appearances: 54
Senior international goals: 7
Steph Houghton is the captain of her country as well as her club, having been selected as skipper on a permanent basis in April 2014.
She made her senior debut against Russia in 2007 but sadly missed out on participating in the World Cup and 2009 Euros through injury.
The centre-back bounced back though and did go on to represent her country in the 2011 World Cup and 2013 Euros before making a name for herself playing for Team GB at the London Olympics.
Houghton would also go on to become the first female figure to appear on the front cover of Shoot Magazine.
An inspirational figure both on and off the pitch, the defender has enjoyed a glittering career and recently committed her future to City by extending her contract with the club.
Lucy Bronze
Position: Defender
Senior international appearances: 17
Senior international goals: 2
Lucy Bronze is a newer member of England’s senior team, having made her debut for the Three Lionesses in June 2013.
She joined City in November 2013 from league champions Liverpool, bringing with her domestic, international and Champions League experience.
One of her country’s rising stars, Bronze is already a first-team regular at the age of 23 and has enjoyed success with England at youth level as part of the under-19s side which lifted the 2009 European Championship trophy, alongside club teammate Toni Duggan and Isobel Christiansen.
She has also featured in the 2008 Under-17 and 2010 Under-20 World Cups.
Jill Scott
Position: Midfielder
Senior international appearances: 91
Senior international goals: 13
Since making her senior debut against Holland in August 2006, Jill Scott has almost 100 caps for her country and is a regular in Mark Sampson’s side.
The box-to-box midfielder has featured in two World Cups already - the 2007 and 2011 competitions - and has also competed in the Euros.
Known for her size and trademark storming runs, Scott was one of City boss Nick Cushing’s first recruits and he was delighted to secure her signature in the winter of 2013.
A fine player and a charismatic but positive influence in the dressing room, Scott is one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Toni Duggan
Position: Striker
Senior international appearances: 26
Senior international goals: 14
Another relative youngster at the age of 23, Toni Duggan is rapidly becoming one of England’s most prized strikers, having played a key role in the Three Lionesses’ qualifying campaign with ten goals.
She caught the eye whilst playing for the youth sides, netting 20 goals in 38 appearances, and went on to make her senior debut against Croatia in 2012.
During her time with in the youth set-up, she played an influential role in the 2009 Euro Championship triumph and scored in the final against Sweden.
Ready to embark on her first senior World Cup adventure, Duggan will be hoping to continue the scoring form that has cemented her place in the starting 11 for her club.
England’s group opener against France kicks off at 6pm BST and will be broadcast live on BBC Two, while we will also have coverage on Twitter and a match report shortly after full-time.
