The Lionesses made light work of their opening Arnold Clark Cup challenge as they sailed past South Korea but a date with Italy await on Sunday.
A squad relishing an invigorated domestic league will have plenty of fuel to come out strong against the reigning Euro2022 champions after falling to a dramatic last-minute defeat to Belgium to begin their ACC campaign.
It was far from the start head coach Milena Bertolini would’ve wanted in preparation for the summer’s World Cup, particularly after the disappointing Euro2022 showing which saw Italy flop out of the group stages and drop three places to 17th in Fifa rankings.
England are set to face Italy at the CBS Arena, and below we outline three players Wiegman’s squad should keep an eye out for.
READ MORE: England player ratings as Lauren James shines for Lionesses in Arnold Clark Cup
Manuela Giugliano
Giugliano started off on the bench against Belgium, but her devastating impact was immediate as she drew Italy level with a superb curling effort minutes after coming onto the pitch.
The deep-lying playmaker is a well-known threat in the international football milieu having exploded onto the scene during the 2019 Women’s World Cup as a spry 21-year-old. Fast forward four years, the midfielder plies her trade with serial champions Roma and has cemented herself as one of the most dangerous midfield orchestrators in the game with her superb vision and influence.
Against Belgium, that status was evident and her ability to alter the face of the match will make her a key player to keep an eye on.
Arriana Caruso
The central midfielder arrives to the Arnold Clark Cup in superb form for Juventus, having registered seven goals and an assist in eight appearances for the Old Lady to see them second in the league behind Roma.
Combining well with fellow Juve midfielder Sofia Cantore, Caruso, 23, worked the Red Flames defence from the off but ultimately was left ruing missed chances.
Caruso has called Juventus home since 2017, hauling with her three Primavera Championships during her time in the capital. She was the first player to reach centurion status for Juventus Women, a sign of her inimitable quality across the midfield.
Elena Linari
Serie A leaders Roma have conceded just 12 goals this season and plenty of the plaudits belong to Italy’s Elena Linari. Against Belgium, the 28-year-old put in a commanding performance dictating their back line’s position and taking charge as Belgium’s attackers flung forward.
Linari’s career brims with plenty of lucrative silverware, having claimed four league titles, four cups and two super cups during stints at FC Girondins de Bordeaux, Atlético Madrid, Fiorentina, Brescia and now Roma.
At times, Linari can be an unassailable presence and will provide England’s plethora of attackers plenty to work at come Sunday.
England vs Italy will kick-off at 3.15pm with Belgium's game against Korea Republic to follow at 6.15pm.
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/
READ NEXT:
