Team GB News

Riise will lead the squad to their second Olympics in Tokyo this summer. The Norwegian has a tall order in selecting her team with only a limited eighteen places up for grabs. Competition is hot for players in contention as Riise is able to select a cohort comprised of those from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The FA have listed three crucial criteria in regards to selection –

• Physical condition - Team GB could play six games in seventeen days in warm weather, humidity. Players must also cope with heavy travelling schedules.
• Mental toughness – dealing with the pressure of a prestigious global competition and potential setbacks during the throughout.
• Versatility – with only eighteen places a, players available, players must be willing and able to adapt to positions that are not necessarily preferred.

It is likely that the squad will largely be comprised of English names as this is the squad Riise is most familiar with. Veterans such as Steph Houghton, Jill Scott and Lucy Bronze, could very well find themselves on the plane to Japan.

However, there are a large number of candidates hailing from the home nations that should not be overlooked. Scotland’s Kim Little is often regarded as one of the most difficult players to come up against in the world. Similarly Welsh midfielder, Jess Fishlock, brings with her a wealth of experience in navigating some of the most prolific oppositions.

Others in contention could include Scots Erin Cuthbert, Caroline Weir and Lisa Evans, all of whom continue to impress in the Women’s Super League. Wales captain and Chelsea’s springboard holding midfielder, Sophie Ingle, and North Carolina Courage bound Welsh midfielder, Angharad James, may also make the cut. Everton and Northern Ireland international, Simone Magill, could also be on the shortlist.

Riise will be assisted by Canadian bronze medallist, Rhian Wilkinson, with another coach set to be named soon.

The squad is expected to be announced in early May. Four other players will travel with the team as reserves.