The Arnold Clark Cup gets underway later this month with Sarina Wiegman’s England side taking on some of the top nations in world football.
The Lionesses have been waiting to face world class opposition for some time and head coach Wiegman will now get the opportunity to put her squad under the microscope when they face some of the most talented players in the women’s game.
Ahead of the tournament, FAWSL Full-Time have highlighted three Barclays FA Women’s Super League stars who will be turning out for England’s opponents later this month and who are sure to receive plenty of support from the stands.
Ona Batlle (Manchester United/Spain)
Cultured full-back Batlle is a Manchester United fans’ favourite and she has gone from strength-to-strength in her time in the English game. While fans of The Red Devils will hope to see England do well in the Arnold Clark Cup, some have already expressed their intentions of going to games to cheer on their beloved right-back.
The 22-year-old has 17 senior international caps to her name so far and she is making a greater impact on the Spanish squad with every international window. Batlle could take the opportunity to impress head coach Jorge Vilda on English soil with both hands later this month.
Jessie Fleming (Chelsea/Canada)
It has taken her a season or so but Canadian midfielder Fleming has started to really show her class in a Chelsea shirt. In a squad which oozes world class talent, Fleming has not looked out of place and she has come up with some big goals for The Blues this year.
On the international stage, it feels like Fleming has been around forever. With 94 senior international caps at just 23 years of age, we could be talking about the youngster being an all-time record appearance holder for her country in the latter years of her career. Fleming has impressed national team boss Bev Priestman with her performances and she could be a bright spark in the Canadian team later this month.
Ann-Katrin Berger (Chelsea/Germany)
She may be regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in world football but Chelsea keeper Ann-Katrin Berger has had to bide her time for opportunities with the German national team. The 31-year-old has been in and around the squad for more than three years but she has just two senior caps to her name. With Germany facing three games in just seven days, head coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg could offer further minutes to Berger.
Berger’s contribution to Chelsea’s trophy successes has been huge. She is the tried and trusted option for the big occasion for manager Emma Hayes and she would undoubtedly rise to the challenge if she is fielded by Germany against top opposition in the Arnold Clark Cup.
Tickets for the inaugural Arnold Clark Cup remain on sale and they can be purchased by clicking here.