DREAM TEAM
KERYS HARROP – The Birmingham defender chooses her favourite XI, made up from players she has played with in her football career.
GOALKEEPERI Rebecca Spencer – Birmingham City She’s reliable and good with her feet, which is a major bonus because there are not too many that are. As a defender, it’s reassuring to know Rebecca is behind me and she is a great girl off the pitch too.
RIGHT-BACKI Chelsea Weston – Birmingham City Chelsea really gets stuck in and is incredibly determined. She must be a nightmare for a winger to play against. She’s a really tough tackler and a top class full-back.
CENTRE-BACKSI Lucy Bronze – Manchester City I was in the same team as Lucy when we won the European Under19s Championships with England in 2009 and we didn’t concede a goal throughout the finals, or in qualifying. I think Lucy is the best defender in England and one of the best in the world. Laura Bassett – Notts County I played alongside Laura at Birmingham before she moved to Notts County. What always struck me about her was how calm and comfortable she was in possession. Laura is a real leader too and although she has had a great year I think there is even more to come from her.
LEFT-BACKI Jess Carter – Birmingham City Like Chelsea, Jess really gets stuck in. But as much as she boasts qualities like determination, I don’t think she realises quite how good a footballer she is too. Jess is an asset to any team. CENTRALI MIDFIELDERSI Jade Moore – Birmingham City Jade provides the shield to our defence. She’s a hard worker and never shies away from a tackle. But since the World Cup she has come back a different player, in training she’s trying tricks and all sorts of skill. I think she spent too much time with Toni Duggan! Heather Scheuber – Retired Heather was with us at Birmingham when we first started in the WSL. She was technically excellent and very skilful. She’s a good laugh off the pitch as well, we’re still good friends. Jordan Nobbs – Arsenal Jordan’s athleticism is probably her outstanding quality. She goes up and down the pitch and covers as much ground as anyone over 90 minutes. Her technical ability is very good too and she is a very important part of Arsenal’s midfield.
FORWARDI Jodie Taylor – Portland Thorns I played with Jodie at Birmingham and her movement was unbelievable. She was so difficult to mark, even in training. She’s an out-and-out striker, the sort of player that is becoming a rarity, but if you have one in your squad it is a massive bonus. She waited so long for her chance with England and you could see what it meant to her to be playing when she cried in her TV interview after scoring at the World Cup. I was so happy for her.
FORWARDI Karen Carney – Birmingham City A Blues girl through and through. Karen is a leader and exactly the sort of player you want in your squad when you are in a position in the league like we are. She has bags of skill and is capable of winning a game on her own.
FORWARDI Toni Duggan – Manchester City From a young age Toni stood out and she has been in incredible form this season. Some of the goals she has scored have been spectacular, she’s having her own goal of the season competition. Off the pitch she knows how to have fun and will always put a smile on your face.