For the first time since 2012, Team GB will be sending a women’s football team to the Olympics.
Much to the dismay of the federations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
There are no restrictions on player ages unlike the men’s competition, which means all players from the Home Nations will be eligible for selection.
With the close of the final international break of 2019, here are the 18 potential players for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Goalkeepers
Karen Bardsley
England’s first-choice goalkeeper when fit, when she is able to stay injury-free. Following surgery on her hamstring it stands to reason that she will be Team GB’s No. 1 in the summer.
Carly Telford
She was selected ahead of Manchester City’s Ellie Roebuck in the recent friendly against Czech Republic, which shows where she stands in the pecking order for Phil Neville.
Defenders
Lucy Bronze
Picks herself at this point.
Steph Houghton
Lacking form of late. This could be put down to fatigue but on her day she is one of the best centre-backs in the world.
It’s one of the reasons she’s England captain and will likely be Team GB captain as well.
Leah Williamson
Can be deployed at centre-back or defensive midfielder, as she has been for her club. This could make her an asset in such a small squad.
Abbie McManus
Casey Stoney has moulded Manchester United into a defensive powerhouse.
With another six months under Stoney, McManus could provide the defensive stability that the English defence has lacked of late.
Alex Greenwood
Having moved to arguably the biggest club in the world, we may see her game elevated to levels we haven’t seen from her before.
Demi Stokes
It’s a toss of a coin currently who gets picked for the starting 11, Stokes or Greenwood.
However, there are very few players specialist left-backs available.
Midfielders
Jordan Nobbs
She missed out on the World Cup due to injury, which left a huge hole in England’s midfield.
The break may actually make her fresher than the likes of Jill Scott going into the tournament.
Keira Walsh
If given time on the ball, she can really control the tempo of a game.
With the freedom to pull the strings in attack, she could prove deadly.
Caroline Weir
Possibly the FAWSL’s player of the season thus far.
Manchester City are out of the Champions League and teetering on an early Conti Cup exit, so she may have plenty left in the tank come Tokyo.
Kim Little
She’s been Scotland’s best player for many years now and her familiarity with Jordan Nobbs at club level could be the key to getting the best out of both players.
Erin Cuthbert
Versatile in attack, Cuthbert may prove crucial to the GB side.
Forwards
Georgia Stanway
Similar to Cuthbert, Stanway can play as a No. 10, a lone striker, or even out wide which might give her the edge to claim a seat on the plane to Tokyo.
Nikita Parris
Neville has previously been quoted as saying he has the best right side in women’s football so it stands to reason that he won’t want to break up a partnership that now plays together regularly at club level.
Beth Mead
Beth Mead has been one of the most consistent players for both club and country.
She has usurped Toni Duggan as the first-choice left winger for England and that will likely be the case for Team GB as well.
Ellen White
She’s in the form of her life.
If she can maintain that form with Manchester City she’ll be looking to add more accolades to her World Cup Bronze Boot next summer.
Beth England
Neville has favoured Jodie Taylor for England. But if the Chelsea striker is able to replicate her stats from last season, England will be very difficult to ignore.
