Georgia Stanway, a turn, a pass to Ellen White.
The first great assist of this 2019 Women’s World Cup.
The clearance from the Japan center-back, the controlled header in the midfield down to Stanway’s feet, the turn, a touch and a shield, and a moment later they’ve scored.
An early 1-0 lead in this final group stage game.
Against the defending runners-up, and a team that won it all in 2011.
What a brilliant assist from Georgia Stanway! Lovely balance to evade her marker and create enough space to put Ellen White through on goal.
Brilliant finish from the latter too. Perfect response from #ENG after a shaky start.
— Crippy Cooke (@CrippyCooke) June 19, 2019
Stanway is 20, plays for Manchester City, debuted for England late in 2018.
Making the best assist of the tournament yet, in an opening stage that’s seen the bulk of goals come from crosses, set pieces, holes in the defense rather than nimble passwork.
Love seeing Stanway get the assist. A player who performed well at the U20 World Cup just last fall, and the full team took notice. Brought in 2 other U20 players for camp leading into this event. Builds the future, builds experience, builds a comfort. #FIFAWWC
— Caroline Kelly (@Caroline7Kelly) June 19, 2019
England won it 2-0 in the end, going undefeated in the group stage.
Set to play Cameroon, in the Round of 16. Sunday, in Valenciennes.
It’s 2 in 2 for Ellen White!
Beautiful pass by Stanway to push the ball in White’s path for the chip over the line, out of the range of the Japanese keeper.#TVJFrance #FIFAWWC #JAPENG pic.twitter.com/2Gw49PQeYr
— Television Jamaica (@televisionjam) June 19, 2019
The men’s team came up short last year, losing to Croatia in the semifinal.
After a deep World Cup run that made it start to feel like—wait a minute.
Are the women going to…
Is it… coming home?