Ahead of England’s big match tonight, Lionesses legend Rachel Yankey, in an interview with LiveScore , has weighed in on who England should start upfront, with Alessia Russo and Ellen White both in goal scoring form and vying for the starting berth.
Yankey also spoke on how Spain’s attack will threaten a so far untested England defence and Beth Mead’s Golden Boot potential. You can read the full column here.
On who should start for England Rachel Yankey said: “You look at [Alessia] Russo’s impact off the bench. The two headers in each game are fantastic but the touch and finish for her second against Northern Ireland, anyone would be proud of that. It was a great goal.
“I would still start with Ellen White against Spain but it’s a team game and England have really good starters and finishers.
“You could quite easily play Russo over White and she would do a fantastic job. Equally, I know Beth England hasn’t played a minute yet but she could quite easily come into this team. She’s really suited to our style of play with the way that the wingers get crosses in. I hope she gets an opportunity to get on the pitch to prove how good she is.”
Her view on on Spain’s attack testing England’s defence: “The only worry for me at the moment is the fact that England haven’t really been tested at the back.
“Northern Ireland have probably done that the most and certainly had some opportunities. They broke away and found gaps in England’s defence. Against Spain, who are a team who love to play in between those gaps in defence and midfield, England need to make sure they are totally switched on – not that they haven’t been so far!”
And on Beth Mead going for Golden Boot: “I know she will have eyes on the Golden Boot, but I hope she just keeps playing the way has been doing.
“She was always going to be a contender for the award because she’s a great finisher. But whatever her mindset was going into the tournament, I hope that doesn’t change because it’s been refreshing so far.
“Sometimes you can get distracted when people talk about breaking records and awards and it can put too much pressure on her. I just want to see her play and keep performing because she looks like she’s having fun out there, which is a real positive for England.”
Rachel Yankey was speaking to LiveScore. To read her full column, click here.
Lead photo shows Rachel Yankey, OBE posing for a photograph with her WSL Hall of Fame award at Wembley Stadium on September 29, 2021 in London, England.
