Faye White

Faye White - England Centre Half - World Cup 2007
squad no. 5

club: Arsenal
position: centre half
age: 29
caps: 52
goals: 4

USA 0-3: Football England Rating 6

Looked in control until copping a broken nose after Abby Wambach's elbow caught her unintentionally.
Battled on bravely and surely provided the highlight of a disappointing day when she then lifted Wambach over the touchline.

Argentina 6-1: Football England Rating 6

White didn't have much to do and probably didn't really enjoy her evening. Was penalised harshly whenever the player she was marking decided to go to ground, including the free kick from which Argentina scored, and also blew two presentable scoring opportunities.

Germany 0-0: Football England Rating 9

England's captain was immense and although she looked shattered by the end she had clearly relished her titanic physical battle with Birgit Prinz.
Her partnership with Anita Asante was truly awesome and this pairing should certainly be retained for the remainder of England's campaign.
Also came closest to scoring for England with a good header from an early corner.

Japan 2-2: Football England Rating 6

Will have found the going really tough after her lengthy injury lay off but coped pretty well in general.
Will need to improve significantly to keep out the German attack in the next game, however.

Assessment:

White is the England captain but her 2006-07 season was decimated by injury and she comes to these finals with precious little football under her belt despite a spell in the States during the summer.

At her best she is dominant in the air and a commanding and inspiring presence.

Will have to find her feet fast if she is handed the role of leading her country in these finals, however.

Check back here for Football England's Assessment of Faye White's Performances and News.