New Women's football thread (inc World Cup) 2023-26

[Gingerfinch]

Just watched the game. I knew England had won, but had no idea of the score.

Tbh, while I was watching it, with England a goal up, I didn't think Australia would score in this game, such was England's control, but sometimes the best striker in the world will hit a screamer from out of nothing and there isn't a lot anyone can do about that. 3-1 was a fair reflection of the game. Australia gave it a good go, but England had too much quality

Hemp was terrific tonight, she terrorised the Aussie centre backs. Hemp and Russo are growing into their new roles. Toone has struggled a bit in this comp, but that was a cracking strike. It'll soften the blow when she loses out to James in the final. The back three formation is working really well.

Final word about James.... get her straight into the side. She did a stupid thing, but has a chance at redemption.... help her to grab it with both hands and don't let her future international career be defined by a moment of madness. Play James in the final and I think she'll shine

I reckon she might start her on the bench. Be a good weapon to have mind!

[alfie]

I would also be inclined to use James as a sub in the final. Just the sort of player tired defenders would not want to see entering the battle in the last twenty minutes !
And besides I don't want to see Toone out of the starting XI. She has scored the opening goal now in two big games (this last and the Euro final ) - plus the equalizer against Spain in the QF - and has a damn good scoring record all round. A bit of "don't change a winning side" too...

But I am happy to leave the decision to Sarina as she seems to know what she's doing

[Durhamfootman]

But I am happy to leave the decision to Sarina as she seems to know what she's doing

Indeed

there's even paper talk (so not really worth listening to) that the FA might approach her for Southgate's job when he vacates it. Now that's only based on the FA's refusal to rule it out, and it's one hell of a stretch from not ruling something out to ruling something in, but it would be quite an interesting idea. It's hard to see it working with the egos that the men have, though, but you never know how these things will pan out until you try it, I suppose

then again... it is the papers...... and they talk sh1t all of the time

[GarlicJam]

not just the egos of the players - though that would be a massive hurdle - but the egos of the management of the FA (or whoever controls this in England). As well as the media "approving" of it.

It would be such a bold choice, if it were ever to eventuate. Even though no-one bats an eyelid at a male being appointed coach of a women's team.

[Durhamfootman]

Well...... today's the day

Spain have gone early with their teamsheet. Putellas on the bench

[Gingerfinch]

You could argue that this is the first top team England have faced, almost Southgate esque. I hope they do one better and get over that final hurdle. James on the bench, which is imo a good decision. Just don't wait too long to brig her on if we need her. Southgate would wait till 80 minutes!

[Durhamfootman]

I can see why she'd stick with Toone, but I think she's missed a trick, personally.

we'll find out soon enough.

I hope they don't sit back and let Spain have all the possession..... I hate watching Spanish football.... like watching paint dry whilst sitting at the top of a 50 foot razor blade, sweating your cobbs off because you know that at some point someone is going to make you slide down it

worst kind of football imaginable

[Gingerfinch]

I can see why she'd stick with Toone, but I think she's missed a trick, personally.

we'll find out soon enough.

I hope they don't sit back and let Spain have all the possession..... I hate watching Spanish football.... like watching paint dry whilst sitting at the top of a 50 foot razor blade, sweating your cobbs off because you know that at some point someone is going to make you slide down it

worst kind of football imaginable

Yeah it can be a bit tedious. Like you say, get up em and don't let them bore us to death.

[alfie]

One of the local Melbourne papers had an article in which they casually described England's style of play as boring..

Thought that was a bit rich. Reckon they mostly play football.

Spain have scored a lot of goals in this tournament: maybe some against weak opposition ? But they let a few in against Japan...

About to kick off so we will soon see , eh ?

[Gingerfinch]

Spain is playing some good stuff early on.

[Gingerfinch]

Our midfield is so slow getting forward and back.

[alfie]

Ouch. Spain had looked dangerous so shouldn't have been a shock but going behind not the start we wanted...

Not going to be easy , this.

[alfie]

Goes without saying need a better second half. Sarina has made her switches...

[Gingerfinch]

Damn, that should be given!

[Gingerfinch]

Still in it.