Eniola Aluko

Eni Aluko - England Striker - World Cup 2007
squad no. 9

club: Chelsea
position: striker
age: 20
caps: 23
goals: 4

USA 0-3: Football England Rating 5

Was finding it tough like evryone else but wasn't playing badly and it was a surprise when Rachel Yankey replaced her at half time. England were undoubtedly even less of a threat after that change had been made.

Argentina 6-1: Football England Rating 7

Brought in to use her pace against the feeble Argentinian defence and performed well enough although she still couldn't find the goal she so desperately craves.
Was terribly unlucky to see her terrific shot on the turn cannon back off the crossbar but still looks less than confident inside the penalty area.
Does not look likely to upset the stronger defences on her form so far.

Germany 0-0:

Paid the price for her nervous performance against Japan and may stay on the bench for the rest of the tournament. Katie Chapman's suspension for the Argentina game may offer her a route back into the side, however.
Hopefully Aluko can come back strongly if she gets the chance and being left out could take some of the pressure off her shoulders.
Still capable of making an impact.

Japan 2-2 Football England Rating 3

Maybe Aluko is feeling the pressure of her lack of goals at this level because she looked hesitant and clumsy almost throughout.
Tried to drop deeper and wider to join in the play but her touch was scrappy and her passing uncertain.
All this would be forgiven if she was finding the net but she wasted a couple of good chances and one open goal before being replaced.
World Cups come and go too quickly to offer players too many chances and Aluko's place should now be under serious threat.

Assessment

I don't think anyone would argue that Aluko is England's top striker at the moment and that is why little has been made of her poor strike rate at international level.

This would be a good time to put that record straight and if she does not questions will start to be asked.

Aluko is very quick, a real poacher and electric inside the box. She often finds herself isolated up front for her country and asked to do a lot of donkey work down the channels, holding the ball up and making space for others, however.

This is not her natural game, nor what she is best at but she does it well enough and, apparently, without complaining.

It would be nice to think that kind of work could be left to others during this tournament and Eni just gets on with what she does best. Scoring goals.

Check back here for Football England's Assessment of Eni Aluko's Performances and News.