Beever-Jones: A Rising Star in English Football
The debate surrounding Aggie Beever-Jones's place in the England squad is heating up after her dazzling performance against Australia. With a powerful presence on the field and a knack for finding the back of the net, she's made her case for a starting position more compelling than ever.
"Playing football brings out the best in me wherever I am playing," said Beever-Jones after netting her seventh international goal.
The Competition for the Number Nine Shirt
Sarina Wiegman faces a luxury dilemma: with the likes of Arsenal's Alessia Russo and Chelsea's Beever-Jones competing for the number nine spot, how does she choose? Each player brings a unique skill set to the pitch that could benefit the team in vastly different ways.
Beever-Jones's strong showing against the Australians—despite only being a regular starter this season—signals her readiness. Not only did she score the opening goal, but she also presented various challenges to the opposition's defense.
- Alessia Russo: A mainstay in the lineup, Russo has her strengths but may need to step up her game as competition increases.
- Michelle Agyemang: The Brighton forward brings youth and dynamism, but her recent injury adds uncertainty to her role.
- Aggie Beever-Jones: With four goals already in the WSL this season, her momentum could make her a valuable asset moving forward.
Beever-Jones's Impact During the Match
In the early minutes of the match, Beever-Jones wasted no time in making her presence felt. A laser-focused player, she came within inches of scoring just three minutes in. Her relentless pursuit and tenacity were apparent throughout the game, culminating in a well-deserved goal from a set-piece.
As noted by former England defender Anita Asante, Beever-Jones was a constant threat, "making really good runs and causing problems for the defenders." Her determination to be part of the action is evident and speaks volumes about her character—qualities that Wiegman values immensely.
Coaching Decisions Ahead
Sarina Wiegman's tactical decisions are under the microscope now more than ever. She has the hard task of balancing team chemistry with individual brilliance. In the recent friendly, she opted for a two-striker formation featuring both Beever-Jones and Russo, which proved to be a successful strategy as England dominated the match.
“Aggie can play on the sides,” Wiegman explained. “You saw today that she is very agile and quick with the ball, which can help the team.” The coach's praise showcases how essential Beever-Jones may become.
Kendall's Stellar Debut
On a night of impressive performances, Lucia Kendall made her senior debut, earning accolades for her composure and skill. Wiegman's trust in these younger players illustrates a forward-thinking strategy.
"For me, as soon as it ended I thought, 'right, go back to my club, smash it, do what you can do and hit the ground running,'” said Beever-Jones, highlighting her resolve and approach to the game.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
Beever-Jones has positioned herself as a strong contender for a starting spot, urging England's management to rethink their strategies. With a mix of youth and talent flooding into the squad, the future looks promising for the Lionesses. As fans, we are left questioning not just who will start next but how these young women will impact the beautiful game.
Source reference: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/crmx472nepwo
