How the England Women’s national team took squad announcements to another level
The final England squad for this summer’s Women’s World Cup was announced on Wednesday, but not in the traditional way.
A number of celebrities and footballers from the men’s and women’s team individually announced each player who will be heading to France.
https://audioboom.com/posts/7246453-like-a-broken-mirror-man-utd-s-top-knot-curse-lingers-on
Usually, international squads are revealed all at once, with a simple list tweeted out and posted on the national team’s website.
But the Lionesses, whose manager Phil Neville has picked 11 World Cup debutants for the tournament, have done things a little differently this time around.
A royal announcement
Prince William got things underway by revealing Manchester City defender and England captain Steph Houghton will be on the plane.
We’re starting with a royal announcement. That’s right. The name we’ve all been waiting for…?@stephhoughton2!#Lionessespic.twitter.com/Y7yo1N4g1Z
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) May 8, 2019
TV and radio presenters Greg James, Dan Walker and Nicole Holliday were also on hand to announce the inclusion of Toni Duggan, Jade Moore and Carly Telford in the squad.
You want more? We’ve got Moore ?
Congrats, @jade_moore20!#Lionessespic.twitter.com/anZuvH2HMa
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) May 8, 2019
Ellen White and Lucy Bronze were the next names to be confirmed, revealed by James Corden and former England defender Alex Scott.
The passing of a very awesome baton.
Your turn, @LucyBronze. #Lionessespic.twitter.com/uOE7c3MGjY
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) May 8, 2019
As if by magic…
Harry Potter actress Emma Watson gave it the big reveal by announcing Demi Stoke as a member of the squad with a picture of the Manchester City defender’s face on a t-shirt.
You’re a Lioness, Demi! ⚡@DemiStokes #Lionessespic.twitter.com/6Lv66MYBFA
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) May 8, 2019
It was then time for a trio of pop stars – Anne Marie, Olly Murs and Ellie Goulding – to confirm the inclusions of Rachel Daly, Alex Greenwood and Fran Kirby, while Keira Walsh’s place was revealed by BBC Radio 1 DJ Monki.
? She can light it up, up, up ?@FranKirby is next!#Lionessespic.twitter.com/wOi9lnJRPH
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) May 8, 2019
The men’s game gets behind the Lionesses
Former England players David Beckham, Alan Shearer and Ian Wright announced squad places for Nikita Parris, Leah Williamson and Lucy Staniforth.
From one England No.7⃣ to another. @lilkeets #Lioneseses pic.twitter.com/4SuYS3PO7c
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) May 8, 2019
Lifelong Gunners and PROUD ?
Congrats, @leahcwilliamson! #Lionesses pic.twitter.com/rCIHObkOfH
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) May 8, 2019
The current men’s players then took over, with Raheem Sterling and Jordan Pickford confirming plane tickets for Georgia Stanway and Karen Bardsley.
Sterling for Stanway ?@StanwayGeorgia is on the plane!#Lionessespic.twitter.com/5g8GPBojYv
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) May 8, 2019
Ex-internationals lead the way
Ex-England players Rachel Yankey and Kelly Smith were also on hand to give good news to Karen Carney and Beth Mead.
The wizard returns ? @karenjcarney! #Lionessespic.twitter.com/NcalIbNtOY
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) May 8, 2019
SBTV’s Jamal Edwards and BBC Radio 1Xtra DJ Nick Bright did the same for Millie Bright and Jill Scott.
Returning for her fourth @FIFAWWC.
It’s @JillScottJS8 ?#Lionessespic.twitter.com/TJHE7GrONd
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) May 8, 2019
Check out the full England Women’s squad below:
Goalkeepers: Karen Bardsley (Man City), Mary Earps (Wolfsburg), Carly Telford (Chelsea).
Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Lyon), Rachel Daly (Houston Dash), Alex Greenwood (Man Utd), Steph Houghton (captain, Man City), Abbie McManus (Man City), Demi Stokes (Man City) Leah Williamson (Arsenal).
Midfielders: Karen Carney (Chelsea), Jade Moore (Reading), Jill Scott (Man City), Lucy Staniforth (Birmingham City), Georgia Stanway (Man City), Keira Walsh (Man City).
Forwards: Toni Duggan (Barcelona) Fran Kirby (Chelsea), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Nikita Parris (Man City), Jodie Taylor (Seattle Reign), Ellen White (Birmingham City).
