Rachel Daly frustrated by being left on the bench for England’s World Cup opener…after Sarina Wiegman gave the nod to Alessia Russo ahead of last season’s WSL top scorer
Rachel Daly was frustrated staying on the bench for England’s opening World Cup match… after Sarina Wiegman winked at Alessia Russo for last season’s WSL top scorer
- Rachel Daly left frustrated with bench seat for England’s opening game
- The striker was a second-half substitute in the Lionesses’ tight 1-0 victory over Haiti
- Daly scored 22 goals for Aston Villa in the Women’s Super League last season
Rachel Daley admitted she was frustrated at being on the bench for England’s opening World Cup game, but vowed to convince Sarina Wiegman she’s worth starting against Denmark.
The Lionesses secured a 1-0 victory over minnows Haiti with Georgia Stanway converting from the penalty spot on the second attempt after a rematch was ordered.
Wiegman’s biggest selection dilemma had been who to start up front, with Daly and Arsenal striker Alessia Russo both battling for the number 9 role.
Daly finished top scorer in the Women’s Super League last season with 22 goals in 22 games, but Wiegman opted for Russo, with the Aston Villa striker coming on for the last 20 minutes.
“I think anyone would be [frustrated] no one likes to sit on the bench,” said Daly after the game. If so, you’re not in the right place, not in the right career.
Rachel Daly admits she was frustrated by not starting England’s opening World Cup game
The Aston Villa striker remained on the bench for the last twenty minutes
“I think everyone is looking for a position. It’s a headache Sarina must have in multiple positions.
“I wouldn’t like to be in her shoes as she makes such big decisions in tournaments. But she is a fantastic manager, we respect all her decisions. It proved it works tonight, so we’re happy.
“I was just trying to fill in and harass the defenders by getting in behind Alessia’s big shift. She did brilliantly again tonight, and I’m just about done when I’m summoned.
“It is a difficult place for Sarina to pick the team. I respect her decisions and I will support Alessia all the way through and of course I know Beth [England] will do the same.’
Neither Russo nor Daly could get past Haiti’s 5ft4in goalkeeper Kerly Theus, while England have now gone four games without a goal from open play.
Daly comes close with a header after coming off the bench, but was unable to extend England’s lead
However, Daly insisted there are no concerns in the England camp about the team’s lack of success in the final third.
“You could put it down to a number of things, but I think we are a fairly new team, a relatively new team. We lost a lot of players through injuries, outages.
“We’re still building, but I don’t think it’s a concern and concern at this point. Hopefully there will be more.’
