Since becoming England manager in 2021 Sarina Wiegman has never been scared of a big call.
The Lionesses boss left Steph Houghton out of the 2022 Euros squad, named Leah Williamson captain and continued to pick the same XI throughout that summer, leading her team to a first major title.
But one outstanding decision could prove the trickiest she has faced yet with a huge summer looming into view. With the European champions and newly crowned Finalissima winners on a 30-match unbeaten run, much of Wiegman's team for their first World Cup finals group game against Haiti will pick itself.
The likes of Mary Earps, Williamson, Millie Bright and Kiera Walsh know that if they're fit, they'll play. However, the battle for the no.9 shirt could give Wiegman plenty of sleepless nights before the flight down under. Both Alessia Russo and Rachel Daly are having excellent, bordering on outstanding seasons for club and country.
Daly has 13 goals in the league for Villa, with Russo's eight WSL goals helping Man Utd's title challenge. Both impressed during the Arnold Clark Cup win and now have one game left before the end of the season, against Australia on Tuesday night, to make their case for a starting role, rather than being part of the supporting cast.
Against the South American champions at Wembley it was Russo given the nod and she made a lively start. The Man Utd forward got in-behind the Brazilian back five on a few occasions in the opening minutes, forcing the Selecao to drop a little closer to their own goal.
In trademark Russo-style she also came short to link play with the midfield and particularly close friend Ella Toone. But as Brazil dropped deeper and deeper as the half went on, chances became few and far between for Russo.
Much of the threat instead came from Lauren James and Lucy Bronze down the right channel, with the two linking up in the move that led to England's goal, with Toone finding space in the box to fire home.
At half-time inside Wembley you could be forgiven for wondering if Russo would re-appear in the second half, with Daly warming up towards the end of the half. But Wiegman kept the faith and the United forward seemed to improve as the game went on.
Although the Lionesses spent long periods after the break stuck in their own half, whenever Russo could she gave them an outlet, running in to channels and holding the ball up for support. With Brazil on top, chances were at a premium for the Lionesses in the second half but Russo's work rate was admirable.
She lasted 74 minutes, before Wiegman turned to Daly from the bench at the same time Chloe Kelly replaced James. That seemed to give England a boost, as the Lionesses temporarily started to play higher up the pitch.
The Villa forward was caught offside a couple of times and would have probably been better suited to flow of the game in the first half, when Brazil sat in a very low block and England putting crosses in the box almost at will.
That was exactly how Daly got her two goals against Italy in February. Clever movement in the six-yard box and attacking the ball in front of defenders.
She didn't get a real chance on Thursday night, but stepped up in the penalty shootout after Brazil's late equaliser. With the score 1-1 after two penalties each Daly smashed home to give England the advantage and once Rafaelle hit the bar with the next kick the Lionesses were in control.
To have a player with 13 WSL goals this season on the bench, gives Wiegman a fantastic option for games that go the distance, as was the case at Wembley. It has been a yo-yo battle ever since Ellen White retired.
Daly scored twice in the November internationals with Japan and Norway, the first time she was used as a forward by Wiegman. But Russo hit back with solid displays against Korea and Belgium in the Arnold Clark Cup, scoring a clever finish in the opener.
But Villa's Daly won't be content with a 'super-sub' role this summer. She started every game at Euro 2022, albeit from left back, and has consistently said she will play anywhere.
Equally, Russo is looking to remain in the starting line-up with only a few months to go until the big one.
"I always want to play as much as I can for England," she said in the mixed zone once the celebrations had began to die down. "But the competition is so high.
"I just try to go out there and add as much to the team as I can. As a striker you obviously want to score and create, but sometimes there are different roles you have to play.
"But I'd still say it was a positive night and I'll move onto the next one. The penalties were great preparation. You can be in those situations every knockout game. But that is what it is about, pressure moments where people need to step up.
"Australia are another top side with a lot of threat going forward, so we'll need to reflect from this game and learn from it."
That game against Australia could prove pivotal to the battle. If Russo is again selected to start, Wiegman will have given a clear indication that she is firmly in pole position.
But if Daly given a chance from the start, then the number nine shirt could still be very much up for grabs.
NEW! Our Year: European Champions 2022 - The Official England Winners Book
With a foreword by England manager Sarina Wiegman, this is the only official book of the historic triumph, reliving every kick of a thrilling tournament and telling the stories of the players who made it all happen.
Order from https://reachsportshop.com/book/our-year-european-champion-2022/
