Lucy Staniforth Joins England Squad on Standby for Women’s World Cup
The England Women’s National Team have called up Aston Villa midfielder Lucy Staniforth to join the squad on standby for the upcoming Women’s World Cup. Staniforth replaces the injured Jess Park, who has returned to Manchester City for rehabilitation on a shoulder injury. Staniforth will remain with the squad until the Lionesses’ opening match against Haiti on 22 July.
About Lucy Staniforth
Lucy Staniforth is a midfielder for Aston Villa and the England Women’s National Team. She has scored two goals in 17 international appearances for England. Staniforth has also played for Birmingham City, Doncaster Rovers Belles, and Sunderland. She has been an integral part of the England squad since making her debut in 2017.
England Women’s World Cup Preparations
The Lionesses are currently preparing for the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France. They will face Portugal in a warm-up friendly at a sold-out Stadium MK on Saturday, before flying to Australia on 5 July. Manager Sarina Wiegman has named a 23-player squad for the tournament, which includes Staniforth and Maya Le Tissier on standby.
England’s Group Stage Opponents
The Lionesses have been drawn in Group D alongside Scotland, Argentina, and Japan. They will open their campaign against Scotland on 9 June before facing Argentina on 14 June and Japan on 19 June. England are aiming to reach the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time since 2015.
England’s World Cup Hopes
England have been tipped as one of the favourites to win the Women’s World Cup this year. Manager Sarina Wiegman has assembled an experienced squad and they have been in impressive form in recent months, winning all four of their warm-up matches. With Lucy Staniforth now part of the squad, England will be hoping to make a strong start to the tournament and go all the way to lift the trophy.