All eyes will be on Hege Riise’s Team GB women’s side at the Olympics in Tokyo this summer.
While the USA undoubtedly enters this summer’s games as favorites, Team GB has a real chance to secure a place on the podium, and if the winners of the 2019 World Cup happen to slip up, Riise’s side will no doubt wait to strike back.
Hege Riise’s preparations for the games are well underway / Harriet Lander / Getty Images
With Team GB’s opening group game against Chile just around the corner, 90min has been watching the players to watch out for in the coming weeks …
Caroline Weir is one of only two Scottish women in the squad / Karl Bridgeman / Getty Images
Although the Team GB team 2020 is dominated by English players, Scotland’s Weir are as close to an automatic choice as they come.
Keeping the ball at any level in the game is key, but it’s probably even more important at the international level – something Weir is brilliant at. Her technical prowess and ability to produce breathtaking long strikes make her a joy to watch, and with so many of her Manchester City team-mates joining her squad, she will feel right at home.
Nikita Parris will look to carry her fine form with Lyon to the Olympics / Karl Bridgeman / Getty Images
After recently securing a move back to the WSL after two years away with Lyon, Parris will no doubt see the Olympics as a great opportunity to remind fans of these beaches just what she can do.
Arsenal’s new signing is not exactly a diamond in the rough who wants to make a name for himself, but that is not to say that she is not one who can be seen.
Parris’ goals and experience on the big stage will be decisive if Riise’s side has real hopes of making it to the later stages.
Leah Williamson has been selected in the squad / Karl Bridgeman / Getty Images
Williamson’s versatility may prove to be an important attribute this summer, with the Arsenal center-back also able to move into midfield when needed.
Given her ability to play in midfield, it’s probably no surprise to hear that she’s a progressive defender who likes to step out from the back and play forward where possible – something that is likely to be an important tool as Team GB sees out to break teams down.
Gunners midfielder was named in this year’s WSL team for the 2020/21 campaign and her level of performance in the coming weeks may well have a big influence on how far Team GB goes in this summer’s tournament.
Sophie Ingle is the only Welsh player in the squad / Karl Bridgeman / Getty Images
Ingle is the only Welsh representative in the Team GB group, but she is far from new.
The versatile midfielder fought out a number of brilliant performances for Chelsea last season and came within 90 minutes of securing a Champions League winning medal to sit next to his league winner’s medal.
If Team GB’s fantastic attacking talents will be given the freedom to express themselves, Ingle will probably be commissioned to complete much of the dirty work and for that reason she is an important cog in the side.
Fran Kirby is a regular goal scorer at club level / Karl Bridgeman / Getty Images
It goes without saying that Kirby is one to watch at this summer’s Olympics.
The Chelsea forward is a prolific goal scorer in the WSL and after recording a career as the best league table for season 14, she should be very confident of coming to the Olympics.
After cleaning up at the annual WSL Awards recently – then becoming only the second player ever to be named PFA Player of the Year on two separate occasions – Kirby plays her best football of her career and her goals and assists will no doubt be crucial to Team GB’s quest for the gold medal.
Lauren Hemp is one of the brightest young stars in England right now / Karl Bridgeman / Getty Images
If you are looking for a talented youth who can really and well communicate themselves on the world stage this summer, look no further than Hampa.
The forward made his debut in England just 19 years ago and is already a key player in a very good Manchester City side.
Hemp’s eye for a workout and mazy running means she’s always exciting to watch and combined with her ability to produce spectacular long-range strikes, she can ignite even the most boring competitions.
