Team GB's possible Olympic line up as Sarina Wiegman set for selection headache
England got their Nations League campaign off to a perfect start with a 2-1 win over Scotland on Friday night.
Goals from Lucy Bronze and Lauren Hemp put the Lionesses firmly in control of the contest before Kirsty Hanson's scrappy finish set up a nervy second half at Sunderland's Stadium of Light. Scotland boss Pedro Martínez Losa would be justified in feeling his side were unlucky to emerge from the clash empty handed, however a number of his players might perhaps see a silver lining to the defeat.
That's because Team GB's hopes of Olympic qualification rest squarely on the Lionesses' shoulders. England are the nominated nation for Team GB qualification, meaning only Sarina Wiegman's side can secure passage to next summer's tournament for Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish players.
If Olympic host nation France do not reach the Nations League final, the winners and runners-up will take the two other Olympic spots - if France are in the final, a spot would go to the third-placed team. While only time will tell whether England make the cut for February's Nations League Finals, Wiegman - who will manage Team GB should they qualify for Paris 2024 - will already be assessing which players are deserving of a seat on the plane to the French capital.
With only three non-English players having been named in the Team GB squad for Tokyo 2020, Mirror Football has taken a look at how Wiegman's side could line up at Paris 2024.
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Goalkeeper - Mary Earps: The least contentious decision Wiegman will have to make. Earps was crowned the best goalkeeper in the world by FIFA earlier this year and won the Golden Glove at this summer's Women's World Cup. It would take a seismic shift in form for the 30-year-old to be ousted from a starting spot at Paris 2024.
Defenders - Millie Bright, Leah Williamson, Alex Greenwood, Lucy Bronze and Rachel Daly: It's hard to see players from the other home nations winning a starting spot in England's back line. Millie Bright and Alex Greenwood were excellent in a back three at the World Cup. Captain Leah Williamson should have made her return from an ACL injury by next summer, although Jess Carter has also shown she is adept at playing in the Lionesses' back line should the skipper remain unavailable.
With Wiegman seemingly favouring Alessia Russo in the number nine role for England, Daly starts at left-wing-back while the experienced Lucy Bronze lines up on the opposite flank. Aston Villa and Scotland captain Rachel Corsie should make the squad should her superb form continue at club level, while the versatility of Manchester United and Wales star Hayley Ladd could also be an asset for Team GB.
Here's how Team GB could line up at Paris 2024Midfielders - Keira Walsh, Erin Cuthbert and Caroline Weir: Wiegman's biggest selection headache is most likely to come in midfield. Keira Walsh has been at the epicentre of the Lionesses' engine room under Wiegman and will likely be one of the first names on the teamsheet next summer. Scotland's Caroline Weir, too, is almost nailed on to start for Team GB, having featured at Tokyo 2020 and having gone from strength to strength since moving to Real Madrid in 2022.
Deciding who takes the third midfield spot is an unenviable task, but Wiegman has an embarrassment of riches at her disposal. In truth, it's difficult to see the Dutchwoman omitting Georgia Stanway from the starting XI but, in the interests of boosting Team GB's Scottish contingent, she may opt to go with Chelsea's Erin Cuthbert.
A versatile player who has operated all over the pitch for Emma Hayes' side, Cuthbert could add another dimension to Team GB's midfield. Chelsea team-mate and Wales captain Sophie Ingle could also be in with a shout of a starting spot, while Arsenal skipper Kim Little would also be an excellent option to call upon should she be tempted out of international retirement. Ella Toone, Fran Kirby and Katie Zelem will also be among the English names hoping to make the cut for Paris 2024.
Forwards - Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo: Again, it's hard to imagine any non-English players displacing Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo up front for Team GB. The duo formed a formidable, two-pronged attack at the World Cup and, aged 23 and 24 respectively, are only likely to get better over the next 12 months.
Of course, Beth Mead will be vying for a starting spot after missing this summer's trip to Australia and New Zealand with an ACL injury, while Lauren James, Chloe Kelly and Bethany England will also be hoping to feature at Paris 2024.
Aston Villa's Kirsty Hanson and Tottenham's Martha Thomas could also win a seat on the plane should they impress in the Women's Super League (WSL) this term.
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