Best Starting Eleven Heading into the Women’s World Cup
Image: Optus Sport
AUCKLAND, New Zealand - After taking a look at the players to watch for each main position (goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards), let’s take a look at the top player at each position heading into the Women’s World Cup.
Goalkeeper: Alyssa Naeher (United States)
The deciding factor for this position was experience. Simply put, Naeher has experience winning a Women’s World Cup, an experience not many, if any, goalkeepers have going into this Women’s World Cup, Granted, it won’t be easy for Naeher, but if there’s anyone who can handle it, it’s her.
Right-back: Ona Batlle (Spain)
Batlle has had an impressive WSL season for Manchester United this year. This season, Manchester United conceded the fewest goals and shots on target against, with Batlle playing in the right back spot for 19 of Manchester United's 22 games. On the offensive side, she provided nine assists this season, showing she can get forward and provide assists for Spain this summer.
Center-back: Wendie Renard (France)
She may not have won a Women’s World Cup, but there is no denying the experience Renard has of winning trophies. Standing at 6-foot-1, she has an aerial advantage that France can use to score goals on set pieces. Expect Renard to show up in a big way for France this Women’s World Cup.
Center-back: Irene Paredes (Spain)
Named to the UWCL team of the season, Paredes and her center back partner Mapi León were a force for Barcelona this season. Although León will not be playing in the Women’s World Cup, Paredes will be looking to follow up her impressive club season with an outstanding Women’s World Cup campaign.
Left-back: Crystal Dunn (United States)
Dunn’s versatility was a key factor in her inclusion in the starting eleven. Versatility aside, she does an excellent job of getting forward while having the defensive abilities and pace to get herself out of trouble. If she can replicate her form from the 2019 Women’s World Cup, she will be a force to be reckoned with.
Defensive Midfielder: Lena Oberdorf (Germany)
Yes, Julie Ertz could’ve made this starting eleven, but after recently giving birth, and the fact that Oberdorf is 10 years younger than her, Oberdorf was picked instead. Oberdorf will play a key role for Germany in the tournament as one of the tournament’s best young talents.
Central Midfielder: Rose Lavelle (United States)
Winner of the Bronze Ball at the previous Women’s World Cup, expectations are high for Rose Lavelle and the United States to deliver once again this summer. She may have only played two games so far this NWSL season, but expect Lavelle to star once again in this edition of the Women’s World Cup.
Attacking Midfielder: Aitana Bonmatí (Spain)
What a season Bonmatí had this year! This season she scored 14 goals and provided 18 assists in Liga F and the UWCL. Additionally, she led the UWCL in assists (eight), passes into the penalty area (35) and goal creating actions (11). She will be the offensive spark in Spain’s midfield this summer.
Right Winger: Rachel Daly (England)
Winner of the hotly contested Golden Boot in the WSL this season, it is safe to say that Daly has vastly improved. What makes her season even more impressive is that she used to play as a defender! After her incredible season, it is clear that she must start in England’s attack this summer.
Striker: Khadija “Bunny” Shaw (Jamaica)
She may not have been the top goal scorer for the WSL, but this season, Shaw embodied what a striker should be. This season, she led the WSL in shots, shots on target and averaged almost a goal per 90 minutes. If she can be more clinical in the Women’s World Cup, she and Jamaica could shock the world.
Left Winger: Alexandra Popp (Germany)
She may not typically play as a left winger, but her versatility along with her goal scoring abilities is what makes her such a force for both Wolfsburg and Germany. She will be a favorite for the Golden Boot this Women’s World Cup.
Manager: Sarina Wiegman (England)
The mastermind behind England’s first major title, Wiegman has been an incredible manager for England since her appointment. She is also the first manager to win back-to-back Euros, winning it with Netherlands and England. Wiegman is one of the key reasons England will be favorites for this year’s Women’s World Cup.
