England rejects Super-sub tag as Lionesses hit Wembley
Chelsea forward Beth England wants her super-sub tag dropped ironically her ability to deliver as a sub when it matters most makes it difficult for her plea to be granted.
Beth England is eager to shake off her super-sub tag but says she is pleased to contribute in whatever way she can for her country ahead of Saturday’s historic Lionesses fixture.
Sarina Wiegman’s side take on Northern Ireland in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley, the first competitive England Women’s international to be played at the stadium since it reopened in 2007.
Beth may have to be content with a place on the bench, having also been used as a substitute during the games with North Macedonia and Luxembourg last month.
The 27-year-old scored in both fixtures and has also netted twice for her club off the bench this season, but insisted: “I don’t think any player wants to be tagged as a super-sub.
“Ultimately we want to play every minute we can. I am obviously very happy and proud to contribute to the team because that is what we are here for. It is a team sport and any chance I get given I want to take.
“I think it is not a tag I would like to be known for but, again, if I am able to come on and can show I can impact and help the team, then it is never a bad thing, especially if I am scoring goals as well. I just wouldn’t say on a personal preference it is my favourite thing to be called.”
England is well aware of the competition she faces at Chelsea and with the Lionesses, with rival striker Ellen White close to becoming the country’s leading goalscorer.
“All I can do is keep working hard and seeing which areas of my game I can improve on then hope when I get given a chance, I can do my job.”
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England manager Sarina Wiegman says she is looking forward to working with Hannah Hampton, Alessia Russo and Keira Walsh after naming the trio in her squad to face Northern Ireland and Latvia.
Manchester City forward White has found the net on 43 occasions for England and is three adrift of Kelly Smith’s current all-time record.