Anita Asante

Anita Asante - England Centre Half - World Cup 2007
squad no. 12

club: Arsenal
position: centre half
age: 22
caps: 21
goals: 1

USA 0-3: Football England Rating 8

Never gave an inch in defence and came out of defence to good effect in the latter stages of the game. Undoubtedly a player who can go head to head with the worlds' best and hold her own.

Argentina 6-1: Football England Rating 6

This basically amounted to a night off for Asante. Nipped a few tentative Argentinian attacks in the bud.

Germany 0-0: Football England Rating 9

It was great to see Asante back at the heart of the England defence in this crucial game and she formed a magnificent partnership with Faye White.
The Germans are famed for their pace, power and strength but Asante more than matched them in those departments. If you want confirmation ask Sandra Smisek. In the space of a couple of minutes Asante sent her crashing into the advertising hoardings as she shepherded a ball behind for a goal kick and then poleaxed her with a ferocious challenge in midfield.
Well done.

Japan 2-2

Asante picked up an injury in England's final warm up game and was deemed unfit for this one. Her absence prevents a selection dilemna for Hope Powell but I personally think we need her back badly, especially against the Germans. She is one English player who can certainly match their pace and strength.

Assessment:

Asante was struggling to break into the England midfield until Faye White's injury created an opportunity at the back and she stepped back to take it with both hands.

Strong, quick, a dogged marker and good in the air Asante presents a formidable barrier to opposition forwards.

Pitted herself against several of the worlds' top strikers last season with Arsenal and England and performed with distinction.

White's return from injury may put her place in the team in jeopardy but, personally, she would be the first centre half I put down on the teamsheet.

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