Earlier this week England Women manager Phil Neville announced his squad for the upcoming SheBelieves Cup, one with the perfect mix of youth and experience.
Everton’s Chloe Kelly and Sandy MacIver, West Ham’s Grace Fisk, as well as Manchester City’s Ellie Roebuck and Lauren Hemp all received call ups.
This summer, though, Neville has a much more difficult job of choosing an 18 player squad to represent Team GB at the Olympics, one with talent from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The ‘easy’ part has already been done, last September he confirmed the longer list of players had already been been selected – now he just needs to whittle it down by the summer’s games.
At London 2012 Team GB was made up of 16 England players, with only two from Scotland – there was no representation from Wales or Northern Ireland.
This summer, the 18 players selected will be a lot different as the other nations are on the rise.
The England players likely to make the cut
Of course, it is the England players that Neville is most familiar with – he’s been working with them for the last 18 months or so.
Certain names have been mainstays in his squads, making it hard to see a Team GB team without them.
The likes of Steph Houghton, Jill Scott, Ellen White, Lucy Bronze, Keira Walsh, Millie Bright, Carly Telford, Beth Mead, Jordan Nobbs and Nikita Parris are all likely to make the cut.
Beth England is a player Neville rates highly, with the Chelsea forward forcing her way into the manager’s plans in recent times.
Roebuck, the 20 year old goalkeeper at Manchester City, is also in with a shout of making the team, although she faces competition from Manchester United’s Mary Earps.
Rachel Daly, at Houston Dash, may receive a call up due to her incredible versatility – something Neville is likely to carefully consider when selecting his squad.
Leah Williamson’s form at Arsenal could also see her make the 18, she is another young talent Neville will find hard to ignore.
Of course, even with these names there are still a number of players set to miss out and players we’ve become incredibly familiar with since Neville took charge of the Lionesses.
Toni Duggan, Georgia Stanway, Demi Stokes, Alex Greenwood, Jodie Taylor and Fran Kirby may all find it difficult to make the cut.
Scotland’s stars & Wales’ best
Compared to London 2012, there are a number of players from Scotland and Wales in particular that are in with a shout of making the squad.
Caroline Weir at Manchester City is one that has impressed in the WSL this season, her drive and goalscoring capabilities from midfield could earn her a spot in the team.
Also from Scotland, Erin Cuthbert is a young star both for her national team and at Chelsea – the 21 year old’s performances in the WSL often have Chelsea fan’s chanting “are you watching Phil Neville?”
Chelsea player and Wales international Sophie Ingle is another Neville will find it difficult to leave out, her experience, leadership and intelligent play are characteristics needed for a team targeting Olympic glory.
Arsenal’s talented cohort of Scottish stars provide further selection dilemmas for Neville, both Kim Little and Lisa Evans are worthy names of a call up.
Jess Fishlock, is Wales’ most capped player but with the Reign FC star still recovering from an ACL injury, her chances may be inhibited.
Who we think will make the 18 player squad
Goalkeepers: Carly Telford (ENG), Ellie Roebuck (ENG)
Defenders: Steph Houghton (ENG), Mille Bright (ENG), Leah Williamson (ENG), Lucy Bronze (ENG), Rachel Daly (ENG)
Midfielders: Sophie Ingle (WAL), Jill Scott (ENG), Keira Walsh (ENG), Jordan Nobbs (ENG), Caroline Weir (SCO)
Forwards: Ellen White (ENG), Beth England (ENG), Nikita Parris (ENG), Beth Mead (ENG), Erin Cuthbert (SCO), Lisa Evans (SCO),
England: 14, Scotland: 3, Wales: 1
Hannah Pinnock Sports Blog 