Fara Williams

Fara Williams - England Midfielder - World Cup 2007
squad no. 8

club: Everton
position: midfielder
age: 23
caps: 50
goals: 15

USA 0-3:

Fara was suspended for this one and how England missed her energy and quality.
The American manager had predicted as much when pointing out that Fara had played a blinder against the Germans. I only gave her a 6 for that performance and probably shows just how high the standards are I set for her.
England's heartbeat.

Argentina 6-1: Football England Rating 8

Fara was back to something like her best against the weaker opposition, knitting play together with her composed passing and movement, scoring from the penalty spot and driving just over with a fine effort from the edge of the box.
Having spent the game studiously avoiding any dubious challenges she was shown a baffling yellow card after falling into an opponent having been fouled herself and will now miss the quarter final.
Absolutely ridiculous.

Germany 0-0: Football England Rating 6

Another battling performance from Fara but she was once again unable to really command the midfield to any degree.
Fara is the woman who normally links everything up in the England midfield but she has not found her passing range yet. If she can then England might be able to start winning games against this calibre of opposition.
Tried too many killer passes when England would have been better served keeping it simple and building up an attack and also gave us another couple of examples of her ridiculous long range shots.
We all remember Scotland, Fara, but they look bad when they don't come off.

Japan 2-2 Football England Rating 6

Nowhere near her best especially in the first half when she gave the ball away too easily and looked totally uncomfortable on the dodgy playing surface.
Improved after the break and played her part in England's storming comeback but needs to be a more consistent influence in future games if England are to go as far as they might.

Assessment

It's all been said about midfield dynamo Fara and usually by us.

Football England favourite Fara is the heartbeat of the England midfield and if you're new to womens' football you are going to love her.

Good on the ball, two footed, a neat distributor, energetic, tough tackling and a consistent scorer, sometimes in spectacular fashion. She's well up for the battle as well.

She's Butch Wilkins, Glenda Hoddle and Bryan Robson all rolled into one. How good does that make her?

Fara is one of England's most influential players and will be keen to go head to head with the worlds' best.

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