England confirm World Cup squad numbers as Rachel Daly decision made

03 July 2023 , 11:19

632     0

England's World Cup squad numbers have now been confirmed

England have confirmed their squad numbers for the upcoming Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

It's less three weeks until the Lionesses take on Haiti in their group opener in Brisbane on July 22. Sarina Wiegman announced her 23-player squad in May and, although England's World Cup kits have been on sale since the start of June, squad numbers were only formally announced on Monday (July 3).

However, fans were offered some clues as to which numbers their heroes will be wearing on the back of their shirts last weekend, when England played their last game on home soil against fellow World Cup nation Portugal in Milton Keynes. The Lionesses were held to a goalless draw by Francisco Neto's side, however the contest offered Wiegman's charges the chance to get some crucial game time under their belts ahead of this week's trip down under.

Aside from striker Bethany England, all players have been assigned the same squad number as the one used against Portugal. While Wiegman admitted after Saturday's clash she was no closer to knowing her World Cup starting XI, Monday's announcement does perhaps give an insight into the Dutchwoman's thinking.

The biggest revelation is that Rachel Daly takes the number nine shirt, indicating the Aston Villa striker could be preferred to Alessia Russo up front at this summer's tournament. That was the case against Portugal, when Russo came on to replace Daly after the interval.

Fan fury after just four of Euro 22 winning Lioness squad given New Year honours

Furthermore, the fact that Chelsea defender Niamh Charles - who also came on as a substitute at Stadium MK - will wear the number three could suggest the fullback may be regarded as a starter by Wiegman this summer.

Rachel Daly will wear the number nine shirt at the World Cup

Here is the full list of England's squad numbers for the upcoming Women's World Cup

1 - Mary Earps

2 - Lucy Bronze

3 - Niamh Charles

4 - Keira Walsh

5 - Alex Greenwood

6- Millie Bright

7 - Lauren James

8 - Georgia Stanway

Hayes sends parting message as Beth England completes record WSL transfer

9 - Rachel Daly

10 - Ella Toone

11 - Lauren Hemp

12 - Jordan Nobbs

13 - Hannah Hampton

14 - Lotte Wubben-Moy

15 - Esme Morgan

16 - Jess Carter

17 - Laura Coombs

18 - Chloe Kelly

19 - Bethany England

20 - Katie Zelem

21 - Ellie Roebuck

22 - Katie Robinson

23 - Alessia Russo

Beth Lindop