Getting to know Team GB’s football squad ahead of the Tokyo Olympics

For only the second time in their history, Team GB have a women’s football squad making their way to the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

With Norwegian Olympic gold medalist Hege Riise at the helm, the 22-player squad will be looking to go one step further than their 2012 campaign where the team finished as runners-up.

The squad combines a mix of youth and experience with 18 players making their Olympic debuts. Riise has called on three of her more senior players to captain the side. England captain Steph Houghton has been selected alongside Wales captain Sophie Ingle and Scotland’s Kim Little, who will rotate the position throughout the tournament.

With Prost providing in-depth and insightful coverage of the side’s progress this summer, we take a closer look at the players on the plane to Japan.

1 – Ellie Roebuck (GK) – England

The young Manchester City goalkeeper has kept 13 clean sheets in all competitions this season, proving her dominance between the sticks as she cements herself as one of the best in the domestic league.

2 – Lucy Bronze (DF) – England

Highly regarded as one of the best in the world in her position Bronze should feature heavily throughout the games. The right-backs ability to read the game makes her a nightmare for any striker, while her pace and power allow her to get her name on the scoresheet from time to time.

3 – Demi Stokes (DF) – England

A regular face in the England squad Stokes has all the qualities of a great left-back. She is quick and strong with the ability to anticipate play and ensure she is in the correct position to deal with any threat.

4 – Keira Walsh (MF) – England

Playing nearly every minute for both club and county she is a reliable asset to any squad. She works well with any teammate alongside her and has the ability to control the game from the centre of the pitch.

5 – Steph Houghton (DF) – England

A stalwart at the back, Houghton is a regular starter in any team she’s in, captaining both the Lionesses and this Olympic side. She is reliable and smart, an encouraging voice for all players and a true leader.

6 – Sophie Ingle (MF) – Wales

The only Welsh player to make the final squad, Ingle has been ever-present during Chelsea’s title-winning season. Cool, calm and collected she lets her feet do the talking and has been known to have a rocket or two in her locker.

7 – Nikita Parris (FW) – England

Parris is known for her shooting boots. Always with an eye for goal, she is often found in wide areas, a provider for her teammates while being brave enough to step up to the spot when needed.

8 – Kim Little (MF) – Scotland

Little boards the Olympic plane for the second time after being the only non-English player selected in 2012. A calming presence in the centre of the pitch, she works hard every game to ensure she is the best she can be both in midfield and in front of goal.

9 – Ellen White (FW) – England

White is the ultimate team player. Her accuracy and willingness to run make her tricky to defend. Despite being one of the most senior players in the squad she is constantly working to better herself every game.

10 – Fran Kirby (FW) – England

Scoring 22 times for Chelsea this season Kirby has been lethal in front of goal. After months filled with illness and setbacks, she has returned better than ever and will be one to watch at the games.

11 – Caroline Weir (MF) – Scotland

A midfielder who has so much joy in front of goal is often a rare find, but Weir makes it look effortless. Quick, clever and powerful; she is a danger that teams will have to be aware of.

12 – Rachel Daly (DF) – England

As one of the most versatile members of the squad, Daly can be called upon to play in any outfield position. As a forward for her club, she is not shy in front of goal, but her defensive presence makes her an all-round package.

13 – Carly Telford (GK) – England

Telford came into the squad to replace the injured Karen Bardsley as a more experienced voice in the GK union. The Chelsea shot-stopper has not seen a lot of game time for her club in the past season but always performs when called upon.

14 – Millie Bright (DF) – England

A successful centre back for both club and country Bright is a regular name in the starting 11. Brave in a tackle she is always on hand to nullify attacking threat and possesses the ability to dispatch long balls accurately to change the direction of play.

15 – Lauren Hemp (FW) – England

At just 20 years old Hemp is the youngest member of this squad after only breaking into the senior team in 2020. She has proved herself time and time again in the biggest games for her club and has settled straight into the senior side, establishing herself as a threat in front of goal.

16 – Leah Williamson (DF) – England

After another successful season with Arsenal, Williamson will be raring to go. With impressive ball control and a seamless passing ability, she is an exciting talent. Her ability to slot into midfield if needed is an added bonus for Riise.

17 – Georgia Stanway (FW) – England

Stanway is quick, agile and never afraid to go in for a 50-50 challenge. At home in front of goal, Stanway already has a wealth of experience playing on the biggest stage as the youngest English player at the 2019 Women’s World Cup.

18 – Jill Scott (MF) – England

An experienced head and quality that is hard to match. Scott’s stamina and technique are unwavering as she dances around players to help her team keep possession during play; while also feeding the ball forward to set her teammates up to score.

19 – Niamh Charles (FW) – England

Charles has been given a chance to shine for Chelsea which has seen her earn international call ups at senior level. Playing in defence for the end of the 2020/21 season she possesses the versatility that can be called upon with so many games in a short period of time.

20 – Ella Toone (FW) – England

Ending the season as top goal scorer and top for assists for Manchester United Toone is clever in front of goal. She is able to quickly read situations around the goal and find herself in space to put the ball in the net.

21 – Lotte Wubben-Moy (DF) – England

Receiving her first senior call up less than a year ago Wubben-Moy has already proved her talent, impressing Riise to secure a place in the squad. She has a sharp eye and a physicality that allows her to stand her ground.

22 – Sandy MacIver (GK) – England

With a substantial amount of game time under her belt this season, MacIver is definitely a keeper to watch. Her passing ability demonstrates skill with her feet as well as her hands, making her a fantastic addition to any side.

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