Picking our final Lionesses Starting XI!

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1:18This is Nick and Jack from The Best One Yet, and we are excited to tell you about Walmart business. Staying ahead of business trends means moving fast and adapting quickly. Walmart business helps you simplify operations so you can focus on building the next big thing. Find exactly what your organization needs with their ever-expanding business assortment and everyday low prices. Keep your momentum going fast with reliable shipping and fulfillment. Eligible organizations can take advantage of tax-free shopping, both in-store and online, saving you more while getting you everything you need. It's Walmart built for your business.

1:48Sign up for a free Walmart business account today at business.walmart.com. Blood donation is now more inclusive. More LGBTQ plus individuals are able to donate blood with the American Red Cross due to FDA guidelines that eliminate eligibility questions based on sexual orientation. The Red Cross celebrates this historic change and welcomes those who may be newly eligible to donate blood. There's a place for everyone in the mission of the Red Cross, including you. The Red Cross is committed to achieving a blood donation process that treats all potential donors with equality and respect while maintaining the safety of the blood supply.

2:25Join us and help save lives. To learn more and make your appointment to donate blood, visit redcrossblood.org. That's redcrossblood.org.

2:41Rachel: Welcome to Upfront. I'm Chloe Morgan. And I'm Rachel O'Sullivan. It's just over a week. That is all seven days until the Euros. We're excited. Rach is already on her way. We've given ourselves a big task today. We're going to draw up the Lionesses starting 11 for the opening game against France. Well, what we think we'd start with. Plus, we've got news elsewhere from the Euros and confirmation of an exciting signing for London City Lionesses in the WSL. So stay tuned for all of that and much, much more.

3:19Rachel: Rach, you're obviously in a different location today. I'm actually in a hotel this time. Yeah, lovely. And I obviously won't take the mick out of your lovely mum's curtains, which I have ordered a pair from her. And they're on the way since the last time I spoke about those. But yeah, whereabouts are you? Can we get a location check for you? Yes, we are in Metz in France. So en route to Zurich, where we will land today. a slightly slower route because the plan for this whole trip was that Bunny was going to be with us. So the whole thing has been planned out to have a rabbit in the car with us.

3:51So we weren't going to be driving super long every day. But sadly, we had to say goodbye to Scotty last week. So he didn't make his fourth Euros. And yeah, a really, really tough few days for us. But absolutely gutted. But very glad that he was on the pod last week and he got his final appearance.

4:08Rachel: May I absolutely am sending love and thoughts to you and Soph I can't imagine what you guys are going through Scott it was such a massive part of our time with Upfront such a hero jumping into the random pod episodes that we've had that it was so nice to have him featured on the last one last week and doing his predictions you know I don't know who's going to predict the tournament now I literally have no idea going into this tournament of who's going to do what so I think my analysis just from now is just going to be downhill hill i mean it kind of encapsulates how everyone's feeling about the tournament in a way so it actually was as a final send-off that that was the way that he left it as a kind of an open-ended it's really hard to say for this one but no we absolutely loved our time that we had with scotty and all his predictions and all the fun that he brought to us so yeah thoughts with you and safe mate and yeah wishing you the very best on your journey forwards to this incredible euros that is very fast approaching um i actually can't believe that it's so close like how did this happened it feels like we've just ended the WSL it always happens just under the Champions League and then all of a sudden we're straight into things yeah yeah when are you actually getting to Switzerland what's the what date are you arriving we arrived today so it's it's about an eight and a half ish hour drive from Calais once you get across the tunnel so not really a fun thing to do in one day so um yeah we'll once once we've wrapped we're going to get back on the road and land in Zurich this afternoon.

5:31So we'll have like a full week there before the tournament starts.

5:36Rachel: Oh, lovely. And what are you going to get up to? What's the plan? A bit of hiking, a bit of scenery, some chocolate fondue, you know, the usual. Yeah, I think we might do a little bit of sightseeing. We've got lots to be catching up on because last week was obviously a little bit of a write-off towards the end. So there will be lots of work being done. So actually, I think being settled and not having a big journey right before it kicks off is quite useful. I think having a couple of days to get settled, maybe do a little bit of the touristing. I know you probably found the same like in Australia.

6:05I didn't really feel like I saw that much of the cities or did that much touristing of the actual host cities, because once you're there and once it starts, it all gets really crazy. And then when you do get the odd few days off, you're just like in bed for 10 hours. So it's like it'll be nice to maybe see a little bit of Zurich before it actually kicks off.

6:24Rachel: No, definitely make the most of it. and I do remember in Australia kind of arriving in Sydney or Brisbane and then feeling like, okay, well, there's three games the next day. I'm going to have to hole up in my hotel room and kind of like saying briefly hi to the Sydney Opera House or briefly hi to, I think I went on a whale watching tour once. I think towards the end of the tournament, but that was about it. We did it before. Because we went like a month before because we just knew we weren't going to get to see anything. And Sophie was like, I'm not going with you to Australia. She'd been, we're not going to Australia without you actually seeing some of the big stuff.

6:52So that was a really good idea. But yeah, I think it's the going from here to there. You kind of you forget to factor in your travel. You forget to factor in your prep, like all of that kind of stuff. And then the actual matches and then the work that comes off the back of the matches. So, yeah, it tends to just go super quickly once it starts.

7:07Rachel: But one of the best things, I suppose, is that the time difference at least is not going to kill us. I remember so many times leaving the stadium at 10, 11, 12 o 'clock at night and then recording until about 2, 3 o 'clock in the morning and getting up and doing the same thing. So at least this time we're going to be recording. We're going to be covering the tournament. It's going to be a couple of early morning starts, but I think we can kind of wait for that. Yeah, for me. For you. I get, I have an extra hour. Yeah. So that's quite nice, actually. Yeah, you're right. And also like, you know, having to, I think the longest trip from Zurich is to Geneva.

7:40I think there's maybe two, like three plus hour drives. The rest are all less than two hours. So that's the other thing as well, is that you're not getting up at four o 'clock in the morning to go to the airport to fly to the next location. like you actually get to have a bit more of a structure but yes, there will be no half past midnight and 1am records which will be lovely this tournament. I can't wait to catch up with you next week on the pod

8:02Rachel: and find out all the adventures that you and Soph have been on. We're going to be drinking coffee rather than wine. It's kind of sad. You should be drinking beer. The Swissans, they've got some good beers out there. I remember going out there in November briefly. Yeah, but it's holiday until the tournament starts. Anyway, talking of the tournament, let's definitely get stuck in. We've got a meaty episode coming up we wanted to run through who would be in our lionesses starting 11 for france on saturday july 5th um obviously the big opening game everyone's super super excited we everyone knows that we've got quite a tough group i mean even wales obviously first into the competition this time um this year but at the same time i think that wales are really going to pose one of those last minute threats they're going to be the last game in the group stage this is not going to be an easy one for the lionesses to get out get out of so this first game really feels like a stake in the ground for how well this this tournament could potentially go it's a biggie you want to start off on the front foot it's a it's a tough group to get out of i always find the order of games can be really impactful and how things kind of you know when i think back to the only kind of reference i can make for wales is obviously ireland making the world cup for the first time and you know the order of games was so interesting and I think actually probably the best order Ireland could have had you know yes it was their first ever major tournament you're playing the hosts so that's going to really gee you up but you also know the hosts are going to be a bit nervous it's their first game you're going to have a big crowd the atmosphere is going to be amazing you're going to have like arguably the best experience you could have for your first ever game in a major tournament so that worked really well for them and then I think finishing with Nigeria where they kind of looked and said, okay, we might be able to get a point based on how they've done in this group.

9:45We might be able to get some. So just kind of the order, I think, really benefited them. I feel like for England, finishing with Wales, it's really tough. And they're going to want to have the group wrapped up by the time they get to that match. And that's bloody hard to do with the other two teams in it. So a lot could ride on that Wales game. But you're right, like they need to start well. They're starting as the reigning champions, which kind of adds the pressure. So yeah, there's a lot about this group that makes it and the tournament that makes it really hard to predict.

10:10Rachel: 100%. So let's get stuck in then. Let's start at the very back. The most important position on the pitch, obviously, goalkeeper. This decision was made like two weeks ago, wasn't it? I was going to say, I don't want to do like a drum roll here, but surprise, surprise, we've both gone with Hannah Hampton. Obviously, I think, you know, with what happened with Mary Ups dropping out of the competition a few weeks back when we were all in Lisbon, the natural choice was always going to be Hannah. I think obviously you've got Anna Morehouse, you've got Kiara Keaton there, but Hannah has that experience.

10:41Rachel: She's got that experience with Chelsea, but this is going to be her first Euros as a starting keeper. There's a lot of pressure on her shoulders. You can't move away from the fact that she is still super young. You know, that's huge for her. Absolutely huge. I'm just so excited to see how she's going to get on. Yeah. And I think as well, you know, in my opinion, she's been working towards this all season. I don't think she's the number one keeper because Mary Earps is retired. I think she was going to be the number one keeper anyway. So it's not like suddenly the pressure has shifted. I think what's difficult for her is that she's not going to have the experience of a Mary Earps in camp with her.

11:19And I think that would have been really, really valuable for her. I think one of the kind of key moments of when that Earps-Hampton starting keeper shifted was back at that France game, back at St. James' Park when Mary Earps got injured. And I think Hannah had been starting a couple of games previously, but then Earps was back in and then she came off injured. It was almost like that was the tipping point a little bit. And, you know, that's a big moment to come in so early in a game against such a big team. And the fact that they're starting against that same team, you know, they're all little things that players can pull on.

11:50Those little experiences of, you know, big moments and stepping in in a heightened situation, coming up against an opposition like that. So that's potentially something she can draw on with that being the first game in the Euros.

12:03Rachel: 100%. And I think this is very well deserved for her. And it's not like she doesn't have that international experience there. I mean, I was just having a quick look at some of the stats. I think she's made over sort of 15, 16 caps for England. And I was just having a look at a little bit of her journey and sort of the narrative around, you know, Serena's always been quite open and honest with sort of where Earps and Hannah have been throughout the sort of careers. And there was a couple of comments from Serena saying it was a little bit too early for her to sort of be joining. But the sort of narrative started to change.

12:31Rachel: There was a strong signal that Hampton is leading the race to be England number one for the Euro 2025. And then in April, Wigman then commenting that Hampton was a little bit ahead of Erps to become England's first choice keeper. And then obviously with Erps then retiring, Hannah was the absolute forefront. So, yeah, it's kind of been good to see that transition, I suppose, in her reaching this spot. But I think she's ready. I don't feel, you know, I feel confident going into the competition with her. My only lack of confidence, I think, comes from sort of the second choices because of the lack of experience that they have in international tournaments.

13:03Rachel: I mean, for Chiara yet to pick up a first cap. I mean, Anna Morehouse, obviously a very competent sort of more senior keeper. But at the same time, international experience is lacking as well. So I think that's my only is that the sort of depth of the goalkeeping bench at the moment is slightly less than I would have liked to have seen. But at the same time, Hannah, I think she's going to nail it. I think this is going to be a competition for her to shine in. Let's go into the defensive lineup. So this is our first kind of small disagreement on this one. In the left back position, Rach, you've gone for Jess Carter.

13:38Rachel: I've gone for Niamh Charles. What were your thoughts around Jess Carter? I think this is actually this position is always a bit tricky and I think fullback positions England need more depth generally. And, you know, and I think for a little while it was difficult when you've got players in the NWSL versus the WSL and when some are in season and some are out of season. And, you know, that was that was the time we saw a little bit of Jess Carter not being in and Niamh Charles being in. And, you know, then Niamh Charles picked up that injury, I think, earlier on this season at Chelsea. And I think it's taken a little while to find your feet again.

14:10obviously Sandy Baltimore doing such a job there for the Blues that it made it even more difficult for her to get her foot back into the starting 11 for Chelsea which I think kind of had a bit of a knock-on effect in her role in England and I think she's struggled recently for England in that position in recent games and you know I think when we saw Jess Carter back in there back in the squad she just looked more assured but at the end of the day there are two quality players that should one of them start I don't think it's going to have a massive impact but for me I'd be putting Jess Carter in there.

14:41Rachel: Yeah, no, completely hear your thoughts. And I think it's one of those difficult ones that is quite a finely balanced position. I think, you know, I've seen sort of Niamh sort of pick up. Obviously, like you said, she had the injury, but then coming back into Chelsea and there were a few games where I didn't feel like she was fully at her best yet. Like she was still sort of getting back to sort of full fitness and getting back to sort of have that sharpness again. But I think, I mean, obviously she was in the starting 11 for the recent Spain game. I think she'd relatively well there. yeah not again not her best performance but I kind of feel like that was a little bit of a throw that entire sort of lineup felt like a little bit of a throw to how Serena was looking to kind of start that defensive line out so I think that kind of gave me a bit more of a nod that she might be going with Niamh but again we'll wait and see and either one of those choices I think it could easily be that Niamh and Jess kind of interchanged throughout those games but yeah that was our first and kind of well maybe it's our only disagreement we'll have to wait and See, left-sided centre-back.

15:37Rachel: We both agreed on this one. Alex Greenwood, it felt like a really sure choice. I think Alex has that, not only the experience in that position, but it's also the experience that she has as a leader on the pitch. I mean, obviously, she's going to be next to Leah Williamson. But at the same time, you know, Alex with Man City, you can see the leadership she shows to the squad. You can see that the depth that she has. She's been in major international tournaments. She's a cool, calm head. And I think, yeah, there was no other person that I could ever see kind of fitting into that role and sort of taking that position from her, to be honest.

16:08Yeah, I think it provides a much more balanced defence as well, having a left-footed central defender. I think it has a big impact. We've seen it before and we've had everyone on a right foot and you can kind of see that in the game. I think it was against Germany where England just seemed to be like justified to the right slightly. And I think having her there does give a bit more balance. She, of course, you touched on it there, wealth of experience, cool, calm head. But also, you know, in terms of what she provides set pieces wise, you know I just think yeah that balance is really key she had a brilliant World Cup if we remember and I think yeah fits really nicely with that partnership with Leo Williamson so yeah I don't think there's a huge surprise delighted she's back and I'm sure Man City will be delighted she's back when the season starts but yeah she's been missed for sure

16:53Rachel: definitely and I think alongside her then we've also very much in agreement that the right-sided centre-back will be Leo Williamson I mean it would shock her It would be absolutely remiss of us to think that anyone else would be filling her shoes. I always think it's really weird to always forget sometimes that she wasn't in the World Cup. I know obviously the ACL happened so tragically in the lead up to the tournament. And that was such a heartbreaking bit of news. But for her now to have this opportunity to be back into a major international tournament and be back as captain. I think, yeah, this is where she really shines.

17:26Rachel: And we saw the same for her in the Euros in 2022. so yeah I'm really excited to kind of see her back in her tournament energy because it feels like Aliyah sort of steps up almost enhanced when she gets into these situations. Yeah absolutely and it took her a little while to come back from injury and she had concussions she had to deal with and it made things difficult both the club and country but I do feel like she's massively improved over the season she probably had one of her best games of her career in the Champions League final and I think when we think about that defence from the World Cup and you know not having Millie Bright and not having that leader you know Millie Bright great with those pinged balls long balls down the pitch if needed Leah Williamson provides that she's got an absolute wand of a foot with some sort of GPS tracking system in it and I think provides those not only will she kind of carry the ball forward herself but she can also provide those opportunities those long balls if they're trying to send balls in behind defensively and so in terms tactically offers more which I think is really important as well.

18:25And of course, yeah, experience as a captain has won the Euros before, which is vitally important when it comes to these big moments and these big matches. And those leaders are going to be key in these big games in the group stages.

18:36Rachel: I think even more so maybe because we've had, you know, Mary Earp step down, we've had Millie Bright step down for the tournament. It sort of feels like, you know, you need those people who have had that tournament experience, who have done it, who've been there in those high pressured, high demanding situations. And yeah, Leah is one of those people. I mean, it's sometimes beggars belief that she's only 27 still. It still feels like so young to have gone through what she's already been through. But I think, yeah, you do need that balance back when you've got so many more youngsters coming into the squad who will be facing tough opposition in front of the world stage for the very first time.

19:05And it's also worth remembering when people go on about the England squad aging, you know, that a lot of those players that have been there for a while are still quite young and are at the prime of their career. And yeah, what you said there about the youngsters coming in, I spoke to Alex Greenwood at the media day last week and she's just got such a wise head on her. and she was paired up with Kiara Keating and she spoke about, you know, the advice she... That's a fun pairing. Yeah. Although, yeah, hard when you're doing the questions and Kiara decides to crack Alex up and, you know, Alex has got an absolutely wicked laugh and you can't get her to stop.

19:35So it was a lot of fun. But, you know, I asked her about advice that she would give to her younger self and she kind of spoke about some of the younger players and having people within the squad that can say to the younger players, relax, enjoy yourself, absorb every moment, go out and have fun on the pitch. It's almost like a, we've got your back, We'll do the serious kind of, not worry, but like it almost takes the pressure off the youngsters a little bit to have these experienced players who've been there, done that and can say to them, you can go out and play your football. We all trust you.

20:04This is your first time. Enjoy it. Absorb every moment. And I think that balance is important.

20:10Rachel: Yeah, 100 percent. Well, very much in agreement with Leah being there and looking forward to her captaining the Euros, the Lionesses, Euros winning side for 2020 to 25. Yeah, that's the touch wood. Okay, so another agreement from us. Right back, Lucy Bronze. I mean, again, this kind of felt like a little bit of a shoo-in. It was always going to be that. I couldn't think of anyone else who would really replace her. I think she had an absolutely phenomenal season back with Chelsea this year. I think she's been integral to how defensive they've been and how little has kind of gone past them. I think, you know, there were concerns, I think, in the last World Cup that, you know, she was driving too far forward and kind of exposing space at the back.

20:49Rachel: But I've kind of seen her reign that in a fair bit this year. She's happy with Chelsea. Yeah, 100%. So I think it's going to be the same thing again. Yeah, Rach, I could have picked a better right back, to be fair. Yeah, I think there are a few spots in this squad that there are obvious choices. And, you know, Lucy Bronze is up there at one of the best right backs in the world. But also you have to factor in, it's also because there's not enough depth in that area. And I think, you know, obvious choice, great that England have her and definitely be the starting right back. But at the same time, you have to say there needs to be more Lucy Bronzes coming up in that position.

21:24Because A, when England no longer have her, the quality gulf, like she's so good in that position. And B, like she just carries a lot of loading. She's playing a lot for every team that she's in and every competition that they're in. So, yeah, she was the obvious choice. Such a weapon. And I think some of the relationships that she has with players on the pitch who she plays with for club. she's very good at carrying that over into the England squad and we see that sometimes if LJ is you know whether she's LJ might be playing on the wing or in the 10 there's you can always see that link up and yeah I just think she's she's very good at settling into the England squad and playing with players like she plays with them week in week out you know I think that's been um something I've been really impressed with you know even Beth Mead like Beth Mead's not on the Chelsea squad and yet sometimes you see Lucy come in and going yeah it's like I played at you yesterday so um all of that comes with experience and a vital cog in this team.

22:19Rachel: Coming up after this, we'll finish our Lionesses starting 11.

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25:20Rachel: Talking of Chelsea teammates there, the central defensive midfield, we have both gone for Kira Walsh. I mean Is this boring? Do we need more fighting? I was going to say Another place where there's not enough depth though Normally there's some kind of disagreement between us but I think there's just a couple of positions like you said that kind of feel like they're you know dead set I mean Kira Walsh who else would you put in that central defensive midfield role? I mean This is it It's you know who else is going to be able to hold up the ball like that to spray the ball in the right direction to kind of you know it's the intelligence it's the game management that Kira Walsh has that I don't think anyone else can do at her level that would even fight her for this space.

26:00There's a lack of depth in this space, in the spot, but also I think sometimes England lack a plan B when Walsh gets marked out of the game. So that's the kind of concern and that's another area of the England squad that I think work needs to be done to be bringing through more players who can play in that position. There have been some injuries to younger players who could play there that perhaps could have been potentially stepping up into that role, But when she's played such a vital role, it's, yeah, there's no question who we were going to be putting in there. There are options of players within the squad who could play there if needs be.

26:36But I think in terms of starting... Who would you replace her with? If you didn't go for Keira Walsh, who would be your second choice? No, but it would literally be if England were stuck. Not as a like, let's try this out today. But like, you know, there are players who play there. Leah Williamson has played there before. You know, if it had to, Georgia Stammer could drop into that position if she had to. But again, we wouldn't necessarily want that because then you're not getting the best out of those players in their natural positions. But when I think about depth and the, God forbid, what if Kira Walsh gets injured, all I'm saying is there are players who could play there, but they wouldn't necessarily be the Kira Walsh quality, would they?

27:09Rachel: Moving on then into another midfield role. So the number eight, we've both gone, surprise, surprise, Georgia, Stanway. Yeah, I mean, who else? Like you said, they're sort of being able to kind of like push on And the sort of tenacity, the aggression that she shows, you know, she drives, she takes on players. That's exactly what you want in that role. And the link up play between her and Kira Walsh, I think, is absolutely stellar. Like we've seen that in all of the games that we played, even the lead up to the tournament, where the England performances haven't always been that on fire. But yeah, Georgia Stamway feels like the absolute natural fit for this one.

27:41Rachel: Excited to see her come into herself in this competition. Yeah, and another one where it was touch and go, whether she'd be back in time. So delighted that she is. Again, provides more depth in that role. You know, like I know she's not all about her physicality and her tenacity, but it is such a key part of her game in that position. And I think sometimes when midfields can get packed out, you need someone who can ride a challenge and pick a ball out and spray it out to the wings. So I think she provides that. Hoping she's fresh, given she's not had to play too many games, but equally you want that match fitness, right?

28:16So it's that kind of balance of being fresh and feeling match fit. So I'm sure now she came back in kind of around the right time. You know, we think about some of the players who came in late in the last Giros, Chloe Kelly, and the impact they had. So, yeah, again, experience. She has it in major tournaments. She can pull out an absolute banger if necessary. I'm looking at you, 2-1 Spain in the quarterfinals. So, yeah, I think another weapon.

28:43Rachel: All right. Well, this is another area of small disagreement from us. Number 10. So I went for Elatoon. Rach, you went for Lauren James. Yeah, go on then. Set out your stall for LJ. I mean, it's a pretty big stall, to be fair. Do I need to? She's a game changer. Another player that everyone was hoping would be fit in time. Thank God she is. Generational talent. The kind of player that, you know, reminded me a little bit of when England took Kelly Smith to the 2013 Euros injured. And, you know, I'm not saying this is the case for LJ, but, you know, if you've got a player like that who might only be able to play 20 minutes and you need them to come on and change a game, she can change a game.

29:25So her in the 10, her on the wing, she offers versatility. And yeah, I mean, she's such a difficult player for other teams to pin down a mark. And yeah, I think she's the obvious choice.

29:37Rachel: Yeah, I think, I mean, I can't disagree with anything you've just said. I mean, the talent that LJ has has been, I mean, I've been quite lucky enough, actually. We worked with her on a couple of shoots recently. And I think you forget, like, seeing her in action, like, you forget how it is to see her up close. I mean, I played against her when I was in Spurs in the championship. Yeah, honestly. And seeing her then, she must have only been 16, 17, I think, at the time. And seeing her then sort of gracefully glide through players, completely cut apart the Spurs squad, like literally like a hot knife through butter.

30:12Rachel: It was like phenomenal to see. Scary to be at the back end of. But I think we've just seen LJ go from strength to strength to strength. And I think even like you said, sort of the link up play that she has with, you know, people like Lucy Bronze. I think she's really superly matured. And yet you didn't pick her. I didn't pick her. No. Tell me why. I went for Ella Toon. And I know it might feel like a little bit of a rogue choice, but at the same time, I think, you know, how well she's done this season. I think she's also getting into the realms now of being one of those experienced, mature tournament players that you kind of need, you know, on the pitch sometimes to kind of, I don't know, obviously she'll be in and around the camp anyway, her and the Russo, and like how well their friendship's been building.

30:50Rachel: But I think Ella Toon is one of those players that she still has that versatility. She still has that ability to drive. She sort of engages fans, I suppose, in a way that, you know, you want to get the crowd excited. And I think she doesn't, I mean, you'd probably look at Ella Toon as someone who would probably come in and sort of make an impact on the pitch from the subs bench. But at the same time, I do think there's a moment for Ella Toon to be in the starting squad and especially where LJ is literally just coming back from injury now. Like, you know, you don't want to get LJ back into the pitch too soon, too early and risk anything, even though she is fully fit enough to be a part of the squad.

31:24And I was going to say, I don't actually think it's that rogue of choice. And I think, you know, should it be Ella starting and LJ coming on or vice versa? Both are going to do a job, both offer something slightly different. Both are going to be impactful. So I don't think it's that rogue of choice and I don't think it's that controversial. So like you back mine, I'll back yours. That's all right.

31:42Rachel: Okay. All right. Sweet. Should we put a fiver on it? No. Oh. I want to keep my fiver. What about a beer? That sounds a bit more fun. Or a glass of vino. All right. A beer when you're back. Deal. Why am I saying that? It's going to be way more expensive than a fiver. That was stupid, wasn't it? Yes. Either way. Okay. So I appreciate that we've had a lot of agreement on this pod and the agreement does continue into the front attacking line. So left wing, we've both gone for Lauren Hemp. Right wing, we've both gone for Beth Mead. And centre forward, we've both gone for Alessia Russo. I mean, they kind of, again, feel like almost certs.

32:16I don't know. I think the surprising one, I thought you would choose differently for right wing. Okay. Which seems crazy when we're talking about the, was it the only English player to win player of the tournament and golden boot to the Euros and win the Euros. The fact we both picked Beth Mead. And, you know, obviously the question would have been around her or Chloe Kelly. Again, I don't think that controversial of either of them start, but I do think Beth Mead in an England shirt is a different beast. And I know like she's been kind of sharing the pitch a bit more with Chloe Kelly this season with Arsenal, but we're still seeing plenty from her.

32:51And I think when she comes into the England squad, when she's at a major tournament, she brings so much. And I just think as well, she adds that defensive quality as well to her game. She's so good at getting back and helping out defensively, which I think is really valuable, particularly when you look at the teams that England are coming up against in the group stages. So, yeah, I think I feel like Lauren Hemp and Alessi Russo seem like the obvious choices. And maybe people might disagree with Beth Mead, but I really, really rate her. And I really rate her for England, especially given the last year as she played in.

33:23Rachel: Yeah, 100 percent. I think, I mean, Lauren Hemp is like one of the players that I always find the most exciting to watch. I think the tenacity that she has, like the ability to whip in those balls. I think she does really come into her own in a, well, definitely in a Man City shirt, but in an England shirt for those certain players that kind of deliver that extra one, two, three percent. I mean, I think it could be quite interesting. I mean, Agui Beaver-Jones obviously started for the Portugal game. I know completely different beasts. I know it wasn't the sort of game that, you know, will mean as much going into the France first game.

33:53Rachel: But at the same time, I think she's one of those players that could, I suppose, make that impact when she comes on. Potentially, you know, if Alessia isn't able to sort of get into the game as much as she would have liked. She'll be the Alessia to Ellen White, as in she'll be, I think. And I think, you know, understandably everyone got super excited when she scored that hat-trick, but we don't need to put all of that pressure onto Agui Beaver Jones. She's still young. You know, she only recently got her senior call-up, I think it was back in like February 2024 when they went to that joint camp in Marbella, you know.

34:22So, yeah, I don't want to put too much pressure on her. I think you're right about Lauren Hemp. I think we all thought 2022 was going to be Lauren Hemp's breakout tournament. It wasn't really, but my God, the World Cup. She was unreal. Yeah, and she's come back now. It looks like she's never been away. As you say, she's such an exciting player to watch. She brings so much. She can be direct. She can go out wide. You know, she can play as part of a front two. So again, versatility. Another thing I got hammered on for social media for saying Aggie Beaver Jones is versatile. Someone told me she never played.

34:53She never played on the wing. I was like, okay, somebody's not watched any of her games because she absolutely has for both club and country. But yes, she is a natural number nine. But even then there's debate around what her position is with Sonia Bonpastor. There is debate with Emma Hayes about what her best position is. And that's so good to have. All I was saying was having versatile players in the squad is so helpful. And you've, yeah, Lauren Hemp is another example. Obviously a natural left winger. But should Serena decide to do something rogue like she did at the World Cup and go for a front two, she can be part of that as well which I think is super impressive and yeah Alessi Russo I don't think there's any surprise one of the best strikers this season had a superb season really found her form at Arsenal and I think that's carried on into England as well so I think the natural starting number nine I don't think it's a huge surprise 100 %

35:41Rachel: and I think especially that relationship you know that Beth Mead has with Alessi Russo there there just seems to be like almost like a sisterhood forming you know at club and country so yeah I feel like it does feel like the natural fit And obviously we cannot end this section without giving a small little nod to Michelle Adjimang, who might even creep on and get maybe a couple of super sub minutes at the end of one of the games if it's all going to plan. So, yeah, I mean, that would be an amazing moment if she's able to make that. But I think for her, just being a part of the set up, being a part of that international tournament, being a part of, you know, at such a young age, you know, to come from, you know, where she's come from, you know, this season to being in a Euro squad, I think is an unbelievable achievement in itself.

36:19So factor in at her age, she'll have this tournament next year, most likely the under 20s World Cup. And then off the back of that, the 2027 World Cup. Like she's literally at the start of her career and already exciting a lot of people. So, yeah, it's pretty amazing.

36:35Rachel: Well, I hope she does maybe get some minutes if everything is going to plan. Coming up after this, we'll look ahead to England's final warm up game and Wales announce their squad.

36:58Rachel: all right so england take on jamaica in their final match before the euros on sunday at the king power stadium in leicester it will be england's first ever meeting against the reggae girls it kind of feels like one of those games that i didn't know i needed it's my two cultural heritages kind of clashing in the in the weeks before the Euros in Leicester um I am actually going to the game and I can't wait um I've heard so many people talking about actually going to the game it's obviously the the Lionesses sort of send-off game everyone's super excited to see you know who's going to be playing you know how Serena's going to use this game going into the tournament what kind of formations and and starting 11 she's going to be trying out so yeah I think it's um it's going to be a big one 32 ,000 people at the King Power I don't think it's a sellout just yet, but I'm expecting a pretty decent crowd, to be fair.

37:48Rachel: It's also weird because you're going to be there and I'm not. What? I know. That's strange. No, I'm so excited for England to play someone new, England to play Jamaica. They were so fun to watch the 2023 World Cup and, of course, made headlines by progressing after they knocked out Brazil and beating them in the group stages and getting out of the group stages for the first time. So, yeah, I mean, there's been some up and downs in that squad. but I think they're going to provide a real stern test. We haven't really been able to get our hands on the team yet, but still, there's quite a few names that I'm sure people will be aware of.

38:26Alison and Chantelle Suabi are both featuring the WSL for Palace and Leicester respectively. I don't think Drew Spence and Becky Spencer were called up in the previous squad, but they are ones to look out for should they get brought up. Atlanta Primus, Shania Hales, obviously in good goal-scoring form, second in the goal-scoring charts in the championship. So I think they'll be a tough team to break down for England. And they do have some instinctive goal scorers. And I think actually challenging themselves against a team they've never played before is such a good preparation for the Euros. Because it's not, they've played France, they've played the Netherlands, you know, countless times.

39:02And I think the Nations League has already shown that things can get a little bit boring if they're playing the same teams over and over. I think at least three of the groups have teams in it that were in the same groups in the Nations League. You know, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, all in the same group in the Nations League. Spain and Portugal, same group in the Nations League. You've got Germany, sorry, Sweden and Denmark, same group in the Nations League. Like, you know, you're just seeing the same fixtures over and over. So relish this one. I think it's going to be a really fun one and a really good challenge ahead of a major tournament.

39:33Because it's going to provide challenges that potentially they haven't faced before, given they haven't faced the team before.

39:36Rachel: Yeah, 100%. I couldn't agree more. I think, you know, every competition, no matter how much you prep and how much, you know, no matter how much sort of preparation you have on certain teams and how they're going to set up and who are the key players to watch, you're always going to be throwing curveballs. You're always going to be stuck in situations where you don't quite know how to navigate. And I think this is what this game will actually face. And I think also sort of the crowd perspective as well, like the reggae girls and the fan base that they have with the steel drums and things like that.

40:01Rachel: I think that's going to provide a different kind of atmosphere as well. I think, but yeah, I think there's going to be a lot of people there who will be sort of cheering the Lionesses on, sort of like wanting this to be the sort of the positive send off that we all want to kind of and feel positively going into the tournament. I mean, if this doesn't go to plan, God forbid, I can't keep touching this desk, but if it doesn't go to plan, I think there's going to be a lot of nervous faces, a lot of nervous people. Can I say, if it doesn't go to plan, it's quite common. Don't panic. No, but it's quite common ahead of major tournaments where England have kind of fumbled the ball a little bit.

40:30I think they did it against New Zealand. I think they did it against Sweden. They did it against Canada, I think. You know, it's happened. You know, you remember before the last World Cup, they lost to Australia. That unbeaten run was the 30-something game unbeaten run in the April window. They lost to Australia. And what happened? They got to a World Cup final. So that's all I'll say. You know, I've got the reasonable head. Don't panic if things don't go to plan.

40:51Rachel: OK, thank you. You're always the cool, calm, level head that we need on this pod. So thank you very much for that. As we've mentioned, the Lionesses Media Day was last Tuesday. One of the interesting themes that came out of it was that a lot of the England players are going to stay off social media for the duration of the Euros. understandably I think a lot of the decisions have probably been taken from a sort of mental health perspective and wanted to stay in the game, in the tournament and sort of take yourself away from any negativity that might arise around the tournament itself obviously it's been super interesting then to also hear of the news yesterday breaking that Giorgio Russo, Alessio Russo's brother has decided to take it upon himself to enter the Love Island Villa which just feels like one of the most unnecessary things that you could do when your sister is just about to partake in one of the most important tournaments of her life.

41:39Rachel: Yeah, a load of crazy means sort of coming out. You know, Georgia Russo's on ITV2, Alessia Russo's on ITV1. The Russo's are taken over the ITV stage. But at the same time, it just feels like really unusual timing to be sort of doing something like this around the same time that your sister's going to be partaking in one of the most amazing international tournaments of, you know, her career. Maybe it takes the pressure off of Russo and all eyes will be on a different rooster. Yeah? Is that what the thing? Yeah, is that it? I don't know, maybe it's... But either way, the Lionesses will be taking a break from social media over the duration of the tournament to kind of give themselves a rest and we back it.

42:19Rachel: Right, Wales name their squad. Rhianne Wilkinson revealed her squad for the top of Erwith VAR last Thursday. Despite being out injured all season with an ACL injury, 33-year-old Sophie Ingle has made it back into the squad. How do we feel about that news rate? That's huge. I mean, amazing for her. I was super surprised, if I'm being totally honest. You know, has not played football for a long time. But firstly, firstly, I'm going to touch on it being announced at the top of the mountain because I just think that's so symbolic, isn't it? Like, you know, Rianne Wilkinson spoke about the various mountains that they've had to climb and the way they kind of viewed their journey to their first major tournament.

42:58And this really kind of symbolizes them reaching that peak. You've got another mountain to climb at the major tournament, but I think those kind of little mental things that they can use to say, look what we've done. We've literally physically climbed a mountain and gotten to a major tournament will really boost them. But yes, surprise at Sophie Ingle's inclusion, purely just out of the lack of playing time. But, you know, a stalwart of that team. She's a winner. And that kind of experience and that kind of mindset can't be bought. So, you know, or can't be taught. So I think having someone like that in and around the squad, she knows the squad inside out.

43:35And again, it might be the kind of player that if you need them to come on for 10, 15, 20 minutes at the end of a game to calm things down or to spice things up a little bit. she can probably surprise, she can probably provide that. But for me, that was the biggest surprise. But, you know, when you think about Wales' journey and the players who've played their part and the players who've passed, who've played their part, it is great that they're able to find a space for her.

43:58Rachel: No, 100%. And I think talking of that experience there, Rach, I mean, she's had over 140 caps for Wales, but also brings, you know, with her, sorry, let me do it again, but also joins a bag of experience within the squad as well. I mean, Jess Fischlach and Hayley Ladd, 105 Wales caps, Rachel Rose, 76 caps, Gemma Evans, 77, Kayleigh Barton, 86, Rhiannon Roberts, 79. It's a squad that is not unfamiliar with tournaments, but this is obviously the first time they're going into the Euros. It's going to be a massive match-up. The group, like you said, for the Lionesses, let alone them being regular competitors in the Euros, a squad going into it for the first time and having England, France and the Netherlands in the first group is no mean feat.

44:41Rachel: but at the same time where the expectation is not super low. I don't say that in a disrespectful way at all. But I think for anyone's first competition going into this, it's going to be a challenging battle to get out of the group stage. But I think there's always the spiciness that comes with having a team like Wales that can cause upset, that can cause damage, that can park the bus, that can grab that cheeky goal. I think I'm looking forward to seeing how they get on, Rach. Well, firstly, if the World Cup has taught us anything, it is not to write off an underdog. Definitely. And, you know, I think they will make things difficult for teams.

45:14You know, they need to focus on sometimes making a little bit more micro than macro. You know, their first game, their first goal, their first points, like all of these things are going to be really big moments for them. And I think once they get the first game out of the way, you know, I think they'll ride that underdog mentality as well. I think that can really stand to them. So, yeah, they've literally, they're going in there with nothing to lose. and I don't think they're just there to take part. I think they're there to disrupt. 100%.

45:42Rachel: We love a disruptor. We absolutely love it. So good luck to Wales going into this competition because, yeah, good luck until the 13th of July. At that point, the luck will need to stop. Talking of some quite unusual news around the squad, Tesco have had to apologise after a promotional stand advertising a chance to meet the England team was put up in their Cardiff store. Another lovely faux pas. Two things. Go on, mate. A, who sent that? Yes. B, who in the fucking shop put it up? Did nobody in the shop go, I'm not putting that up? Like, did nobody question it? Like, there's multiple opportunities there to go, why is this being sent to a Wales store?

46:22Rachel: But yeah, absolute faux pas there. Strong, really, really strong. And everything that we've come to expect from the wild and wacky moments of women's football. Talking of wild and wacky moments, but potentially not that unsurprising given the deep, deep pockets of Michelle Kang. London City lionesses have made their first signing since their big promotion in summer, and it's a big one. Danielle Vanderdonk has joined the club. She said, It's such a nice environment to be in. The club really appeals to me. It reminds me of a little family, and I want to be a little rich family, and I want to be a part of it.

46:56Rachel: She didn't say that rich bit. And I want to be a part of it. The project that London City have is different, but in a good way. London City has to battle for everything, and that's my style. I love that it's just like I can see them being like chauffeured around with their pretty little clothes and their Louis Vuitton handbags it's like I'm excited to see the London City Lioness's kit the WSL kit I want to see like who what the design is like like how rogue they've gone because they don't have those I mean last year the Away kit looked like a Solero yeah but it's but the thing is I think with London City now they're going to have been engaging some big sponsors that you know people will want to be involved in the kit being on Sky and BBC and the rest of it and I think they will have to step up their kit game.

47:38Rachel: And I'm just, because they don't have the ties and constraints by being linked and affiliated with a men's club, it's just whatever they want to do. They can go full NWSL and do some really cool stuff. 100%. And I really feel like that's the vibe that we're going to see. So I think the London City line, this is a kit job, we're moving away the Danielle Vanderdonk thing, but I think there's going to be some big announcements coming out of London City this summer. But also congratulations to Danielle Vanderdonk who got married this summer to Ellie Carpenter in what looked like the most beautiful wedding ceremony and also has sparked rumours that Ellie Carpenter is potentially going to Chelsea.

48:09So we could see the two of them in London, which probably doesn't make it that much of a surprise that Vanadonk has gone to London City Lionesses. I think it's intriguing. It starts the conversation around multi-club ownership and the kind of swapping of players here and there. I think that conversation has definitely started. So it's one to keep an eye on, but in terms of that conversation with Danielle was probably easier because she knows Michelle Kang. She knows what that setup looks like. And I'd say has really probably bought into that London City Lionesses story.

48:40Rachel: Yeah, 100%. And it'll be interesting to see sort of the knock-on effect that this has in London City being able to sort of go for other big names across Europe and further afield. So yeah, this feels like one, this feels like the starting big one. It doesn't feel like the end of their big announcements this summer. Japan international Hikaru Kitagawa has reportedly undergone a medical at Everton. It seems like Everton are going to spend big this summer after investment from the Friedkin group. So, yeah, they're going to have to as well because they've got a few players who are leaving, who've left.

49:11Van Havermaert, Heather Payne, players like that who are leaving. So there's going to be some holes to fill as well as the kind of thinness of the squad that already existed. So, yeah, they're going to need to do a job this summer.

49:22Rachel: Trying to get people who suffered ACLs last year back into full-time fitness as well is no mean feat. Although, speaking of Aurora Galley making the Italian squad. Congratulations to her. Another one who had to work super hard to get back. Another one a bit like a Sophie Ingle who didn't really, she did actually get some game time with Everton towards the end. Some very limited game time, but delighted for her to make the squad. Definitely. And finally, former Liverpool manager Matt Beard has been appointed as third tier side Burnley's new manager. It's his first role since being dismissed by Liverpool back in Feb.

49:54Rachel: Burnley are in the National League North, but they bounce back in May as they're turning into a full-time outfit. I mean, didn't expect this one, to be honest. I thought Matt Beard would at least stay in and around the WSL, if not the championship. But it feels like a really, you know, he's a very determined, rugged manager who loves and thrives on being in quite adverse situations. So I feel like for a club like Burnley, he does feel like a good fit. I just wasn't sure whether Matt would ever sort of drop down that far, I suppose. Yeah, maybe Burnley have convinced them of their ambitions. definitely I think it feels like a challenge and I think it'll be really exciting to see what he can we can do with this with size so good luck to Matt looking forward to seeing how you get on with Burnley thank you so much for listening a really big episode we've run through quite a lot already international and club Rach and I are back next Monday that's right next Monday not Tuesday for the first of our two-part Euros preview remember make sure you hit subscribe so that you never miss an episode throughout the Euros and there are so many episodes that we will be dropping.

50:58Rachel: Also, hit the link in the show notes to join our official Euro 2025 Fantasy Football League. It's simple and it works just like the WSL edition. Pick your 15 players and get involved. You can find us on Instagram and x slash Twitter. I'm at morgy underscore 89. Rach is at girls on the ball and we are at upfront underscore pod. You can also find us on Blue Sky and on YouTube at upfront pod. Thank you so much, Rach. Au revoir. Au revoir.

51:37Upfront is a stack production and part of the A-Cast creator network.

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