Rachel Daly defending against Megan Rapinoe in the SheBelieves Cup. (USA TODAY Sports)
By Michael Lewis
FrontRowSoccer.com Editor
LYON, France — England head coach Phil Neville has hinted that former St. John’s University standout Rachel Daly could start for his team against the United States in Tuesday’s semifinal match in the Women’s World Cup.
During questioning about a possible confrontation between U.S. striker Megan Rapinoe and England back Lucy Bronze, Neville brought up the possibility of the Houston Dash player starting.
Neville indicated he has the option of starting Daly in Bronze’s role with the latter moving to midfield. The 27-year-Daly has played in three matches, totalling 95 minutes in this competition.
“Rachel Daly did a lot in the SheBelieves against her [Rapinoe] and the ability of Lucy Bronze to step into midfield,” he said. “We have a decision to make. Rachel is in fantastic form.
England and the USA played to a 2-2 draw in the SheBelieves Cup in March.
Rapinoe has five goals and has tallied all four of the Americans’ scores in the last two matches of the knockout round.
“Megan is someone from day one that I really admired,” Neville said. “I remember my first SheBelieves [in 2018] when a ball bounced on the touchline. I went to catch the ball and her studs came right through my Apple watch. What I liked about it; she didn’t say sorry. She just got on with it. She’s a winner.”
