The Aston Villa star has earned the right to shine as Sarina Wiegman prepares to make a huge decision in midfield
Another game, another selection dilemma for England head coach Sarina Wiegman. Lauren James' red card in the Lionesses' Women's World Cup last 16 victory over Nigeria, on penalties, has thrown up another problem for her to solve as the European champions prepare to face Colombia in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
"I have never experienced so many problems," she admitted after Monday's match. "But, of course, that's my job to think of things that can happen in a game, or in a tournament, or ahead of a tournament. You try to turn every stone and already think of the solution before it happens."
What solution will she come up with, then, to replace James? The Chelsea star shone as a winger against Denmark and then as a No.10 in the victory over China, the latter role coming in a new 3-5-2 set-up.
With her suspended, will Wiegman persist with the new system? Will she switch back to 4-3-3? Who will come into the team? Will there be any other changes? GOAL takes a look at how England should line up…
- Getty Images
GK: Mary Earps
A pretty simple one. With three clean sheets in four games, and having only conceded from the penalty spot, Earps has been one of the best performing goalkeepers at this tournament.
Advertisement
- Getty
RB: Lucy Bronze
For various reasons, Wiegman should revert back to the 4-3-3 set-up for this game and therefore Bronze should return to an orthodox right-back role.
Colombia are particularly strong out wide and the way Nigeria carved England open with ease down the flanks in the 3-5-2 system, exploiting the space left behind the wing-backs, was cause for concern. A back four should be less exposed, especially with two hard-working wingers in front of the full-backs.
- Getty
CB: Millie Bright
One of few players who came out of the Nigeria game with any credit, Bright did well to help keep the Super Falcons' lively attack at bay and she'll face another tough task on Saturday in trying to stifle a versatile and confident Colombian front line.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
- Getty
CB: Alex Greenwood
One of England's best players at this tournament, Greenwood has played three different roles already and has been impressive in all of them.
She should partner Bright in a back four for the quarter-finals, able to show her quality in possession while her ability to read play and position herself well will help the Lionesses quieten the Colombia attack.