Womens’ World Cup

Having won the Euros in 2022, the nation remains optimistic and excited for the England women’s team, ahead of the World Cup which begins in July of this year in Australia and New Zealand. With this in mind, we’ve taken a look at some of the top women’s World Cup players and reflected on their successes to help inject enthusiasm and a winning-mindset into your team.

To book:

Mary Earps

Current England goalkeeper for the women’s team, Mary Earps has made history with her game-changing saves, which have led to victories including the team winning the Euros in 2022.

At 29 years old and having played football as a professional for almost 15 years, Mary has made over 150 appearances in the top leagues of England and Germany. In 2019, she was named in the FIFA women’s World Cup squad, where England achieved fourth place. Following this, she was selected as the first-choice goalkeeper for England’s UEFA women’s Euro 2022 team, where they won the trophy in front of a sold-out Wembley crowd. Her performance in this tournament named her the goalkeeper of the tournament, and the team received the ‘Inspiration Awards’ at the 2022 Pride Awards.

Mary is one of our fantastic football speakers who is now available to book. She is perfect for understanding the current pressures faced by players, and what it takes to achieve great success. If you’re looking to inject passion and a driven mindset into a younger team, Mary is a perfect role-model.

Karen Carney MBE

One of the greatest English footballers in the history of the women’s game, Karen has played a staggering 144 times for her country and is now one of the most recognisable football pundits and speakers on the circuit.

A great success for both club and country, Karen’s medal haul includes three league titles, five FA Cups, and the UEFA Women’s Cup. She made her international debut in 2005 at the World European Championships and quickly became a regular presence in the squad, playing at seven major tournaments for England, and representing Team GB at the London Olympics in 2012. Since hanging up her boots, she has become renowned for her expert punditry on both the men’s and the women’s game, for the likes of Sky Sports, BBC Sport, ITV Sport and Amazon Prime.

Having suffered in the face of adversity, Karen is perfect for motivating women and providing support with mental health in the traditionally male-dominated game. She has seen how the sport has grown over the years and is an excellent advocate and example for women in the game.

Anita Asante

Former professional England international, Anita Asante earned 71 caps for her country and competed for Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics, where she made history by kicking off the first-ever women’s Olympic football match for Team GB.

Beginning her career with Arsenal as a teenager, Anita went on to become part of the historic quadruple-winning Arsenal team who were crowned champions in the Champions League, Premier League, Premier League Cup and FA Cup all in one season. She is also a familiar face in the media, frequently working for the BBC, ITV and Sky Sports, and as a columnist for the Guardian newspaper. Anita is an ambassador for Show Racism the Red Card, an anti-racism charity in the UK, and a leading champion for gender and racial equality.

If you’re looking for someone who can boost the confidence and success of those facing adversity in the sporting world, look no further than Anita Asante. A passionate advocate for leadership, diversity, and equality, she can share the qualities to strive.

Millie Bright

Millie Bright is a first-class defender who was a part of the England squad which won the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022.

She played a fundamental part for England in both their youth and senior teams, including the under-19 and under-23 national team squads. Millie gained her first cap for the senior England national team in 2016 and progressed onto be selected for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France. She captained the team in both a friendly against Canada in 2021 and the two November qualifiers against Austria and Latvia.

Having had to pull out of the England squad in early 2019 with an injury, Millie is a great example of how perseverance and a never-give-in attitude can lead to great success.

Rachel Daly

English professional football player, Rachel Daly, is a key member of both the England and Aston Villa teams. She has also played in America and was voted Houston Dash’s most valuable player for 2018.

Rachel has had great success at both club and international level. She started as a left-back for all six of England’s games in the EURO 2022 she was also was named by the previous head coach, Phil Neville, in the squad for the 2019 World Cup in France. This was her first major tournament, and she has since thrived. Whilst in America, Rachel scored a career-high ten goals and was named in the NWSL team of the month three times. She was also included in Great Britain’s squad for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where she featured in all matches.

Having previously had to fight for her place in the EURO 2022 England team, Rachel understands the pressures and intensity of such tournaments. She is therefore perfect to share her insights ahead of the Women’s World Cup this summer.

To inspire:

Jill Scott MBE

As England’s second-most capped international footballer for both men and women, Jill Scott is one of the most well-known female English footballers of all time. She made history for the team last year as she was a part of the England squad which won the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022.

Jill had her first call-up to the England senior squad in 2006, having captained the under-19’s side for the previous 18 months. She then went onto make her debut for the team against the Netherlands in the same year and was also selected for the 2007 World Cup squad, where she scored her first international goal in the 6-1 victory over Argentina in the group stage. Jill was then selected for the 2009 UEFA Women’s European Championships and 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup, as well as for both the 2012 London and 2020 Tokyo Olympics. In February 2021, she made her 150th appearance for England, in a match against Northern Ireland which she captained and played the full 90 minutes of, to achieve a 6-0 victory.

Jill has continued to stay in the media following her retirement last year, and with her likable character was crowned ‘Queen of the Jungle’, winning the 22nd series of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!

Lucy Bronze MBE

A stand-out right-back, Lucy Bronze is one of the most successful female footballers of all time. She has represented Great Britain at the Olympics and was a part of the England team who won the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022.

Lucy has won a whole host of accolades for her success in the sport. These include winning the Silver Ball at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, where she helped England to a fourth-place finish; and being named to the All-Star Squads at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada, in which England finished third, as well as the UEFA Women’s Euro 2017 in the Netherlands and the 2019 World Cup. Lucy additionally won the PFA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year award in both 2014 and 2017. In 2018, she was named BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year and in 2019, became the first English footballer to win the UEFA Women’s Player of the Year Award, before being named The Best FIFA Women’s Player in December 2020.

As someone who evidences success, Lucy is a great role-model for everyone wishing to achieve. Her hard-working nature and determined attitude set an example which many strive to replicate.

Leah Williamson OBE

Leah Williamson is a versatile footballer who can play in both central defence or midfield. She was made the permanent captain of the England team in 2022.

Leah led the England team to their first victory in the UEFA European Championship in 2022, which also gave the team their first international title. She was named in the Team of the Tournament with this success and will be remembered in history for the epic win. Additional to the senior England team, Leah also was a part of the squad for Great Britain at the Olympics in 2021. She represented England for all of their age-group teams before making her senior debut in 2018, for 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying.

Whilst Leah is now the permanent captain of the England team, she was used sparsely in her first years with England. With not being continually selected for her country in her younger years, she is an excellent example of what passion and a non-defeatist mindset can achieve. For anyone questioning their success, she is an incredibly motivational example of what perseverance and positivity can overcome.

Beth Mead MBE

A current icon in the footballing world, Beth Mead is an inspirational forward who has achieved great heights in the sport.

Beth helped England reach the semi-final at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and provided the second-most assists in the tournament. As well as also being a part of the team who won the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, she became the Golden Boot winner; Player of the Tournament; and top assist provider for the competition. Later in 2022, she was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year and this award broke history as it made her the first women’s footballer to win the prestigious award. Also in 2022, she also made history by breaking Jimmy Greaves’ 61-year-old record of the most goals scored in a season by an England player of either gender, and was named BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year and World Soccer World Player of the Year.

In the current world of football, Beth Mead is one of the most respected players. She provides the perfect motivation for girls wanting to get into the sport and remains an asset to the England team.

Kelly Smith MBE

With 117 caps for the England national team, Kelly Smith is England’s record goal scorer, having scored a staggering 46 goals.

Kelly made her international debut in 1995, three days after turning 17, and was named the Player of the Match. Her first international goal came during her second cap later that year, in a game against Croatia. Kelly also played for Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics and has competed in three UEFA Women’s Championships; two FIFA Women’s World Cup; and a UEFA Women’s Euro 2013. Additionally, in 2007, she played in the China Cup against the United States, Germany and China, and was named player of the tournament.

Having made history and been an incredible success from day one in the international sport, Kelly will remain an iconic player throughout history. She sets a remarkable precedent for those wanting to achieve, and her success motivates and advocates women in the sport.

Rachel Finnis-Brown

Making her senior debut, at just age 16, for the England women’s national football team in 1997, Rachel has won over 80 caps for the team.

She served as England’s first choice goalkeeper at both the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the UEFA Women’s Euro 2009, and was selected in the Great Britain squad for the 2012 London Olympics. Rachel was the goalkeeper on Channel Five’s Superstars and is regarded as one of England’s best-ever female goalkeepers.

As one of the first iconic female goalkeepers, Rachel excelled in the face of adversity, when the sport was predominantly male orientated. She has played a huge role in the motivation of the recent female players in the sport.

Following the success and history-making of the England women’s team at Euro 2022, we are very excited to see what the World Cup holds for them this summer. Join us in getting into the spirit and being proud to reflect on all that our country has achieved in promoting women’s football. To book one of our speakers, get in touch with our friendly team of agents today.