An impressive 13 different members of Gareth Taylor’s squad have been included in either their nation’s confirmed or provisional squads, representing seven separate countries in Australia and New Zealand this summer.
It promises to be another momentous occasion for the Women’s game to rival last year’s European Championships, when England emerged victorious.
In preparation for the tournament, which gets under way on Thursday 20 July, we’ll take a detailed look at each City player who has their sights set on World Cup glory.
First up is our number one…
City career so far
Competitive Debut: 30 October 2016
Appearances: 136
Clean Sheets: 62
Honours
City:
FA Women’s Super League: 2016
Women’s FA Cup: 2016/17, 2018/19, 2019/20
Continental Cup: 2016, 2018/19, 2021/22
Individual:
Women’s Super League Golden Glove: 2019–20
England:
UEFA Women’s Championship: 2022
Women’s Finalissima: 2023
Arnold Clark Cup: 2022, 2023
Previous World Cup performances
This summer’s tournament will be the first time Ellie Roebuck has represented her country at the World Cup.
However, the City stopper was part of England’s victorious Euro 2022 side, and has also gained tournament experience in both the SheBelieves Cup and Arnold Clark Cup.
Player profile
With excellent reflexes and arguably the finest distribution in the Barclays Women’s Super League, Ellie Roebuck epitomises the qualities needed for any ‘modern’ goalkeeper.
Comfortable with the ball at her feet, she is often relied upon to begin passages of play for City, or to act as an important outlet for her defenders when necessary.
That, however, doesn’t detract from what she can do with her hands – as exemplified by an astonishing reaction save in December 2022’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United.
When Martha Thomas guided a header towards goal at the Etihad Stadium from less than six yards, it looked like City would have an uphill task on their hands with around 20 to play to avoid defeat.
However, Roebuck showed lightning reflexes to cut the expectant United celebrations short.
If the initial reaction save wasn’t impressive enough, then our goalkeeper’s ability to pluck the loose ball out of the air before it had even touched the floor was the icing on top.
It was the England international at her best, something she’ll be hoping to emulate as she vies for a starting berth with Mary Earps and Hannah Hampton.
Fixtures
England v Haiti | Saturday 22 July | 10:30 (UK) | Lang Park, Brisbane
England v Denmark | Friday 28 July | 09:30 (UK) | Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
China v England | Tuesday 1 August | 12:00 (UK) | Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide
