Bold Beth can be new Lionesses' super sub

IN THE end, it was impossible for Sarina Wiegman to overlook Beth England.

- Simon Collings

The Tottenham striker was named in the Lionesses’ World Cup squad yesterday after finishing the season with 12 goals in as many games.

It is the first time since September that England has been called up and she is one of three central strikers in Wiegman’s squad, alongside Alessia Russo and Rachel Daly.

Russo is expected to lead the line in the tournament in Australia and New Zealand, but players off the bench will have a key role. That was a major part of the Lionesses’ march to Euro 2022 glory last summer, where seven of their 22 goals were scored by substitutes.

Players such as Chloe Kelly, Ella Toone and Russo have developed into starters, leaving a void for others to become super subs for Wiegman.

England has the potential to be a potent weapon off the bench and Wiegman should be praised for her selection.

The Lionesses’ head coach could have easily picked another defender, but instead she left Maya Le Tissier on standby and called up England as an extra attacker.

It feels the correct call for tournament football. An extra defender is unlikely to win you a game, but a striker off the bench could make the difference.

Wiegman confessed yesterday she could not ignore England, given the way she finished the season.