PHIL Neville has named his squad for the Women’s World Cup in France with a little help from Prince William and David Beckham. The FA cleverly announced the 23 players one by one on social media by a host of celebrities including Raheem Sterling, Alan Shearer, Ellie Goulding, Olly Murs and James Corden. We're starting […]
PHIL Neville has named his squad for the Women’s World Cup in France with a little help from Prince William and David Beckham.
The FA cleverly announced the 23 players one by one on social media by a host of celebrities including Raheem Sterling, Alan Shearer, Ellie Goulding, Olly Murs and James Corden.
We're starting with a royal announcement. That's right. The name we've all been waiting for…
@stephhoughton2!#Lionessespic.twitter.com/Y7yo1N4g1Z
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) May 8, 2019
Prince William was given the honour of naming the first player, skipper Steph Houghton who will lead the Lionesses‘ World Cup tilt next month.
He said: “It gives me great pleasure to announce that our Lionesses’ defensive rock and captain Steph Houghton will be on the plane to France for the Women’s World Cup.
“Steph, congratulations. I know you and the team will do the nation proud. Good luck!”
And it had to be Becks who announced Manchester City striker Nikita Parris’ place in the squad – the Women’s Super League all-time leading goalscorer will wear Number 7 shirt.
Beckham said: “Nikita will wear the number 7 shirt this summer.
“Obviously it’s a shirt I wore for many years with pride. It’s a shirt I captained my country in and I know Nikita will do the same and wear this with pride.
Neville was fully behind the FA’ s unique way to announce the squad.
The England coach said: “We wanted each player to have a special moment when their name was revealed, knowing they are going to a World Cup, as I never did as a player.
“It is the biggest thing in their lives and something they’ve dreamed about.
“We have to make these players visible, we want everybody around the world to buy into what will be the biggest Women’s World Cup of all time.”
England kick-off their campaign against Scotland on June 9.
Neville’s side face Argentina five days later and finish up against Japan who beat England in the semi-final in Canada four years ago.
