Jody Handley

Jody Handley - England Forward - World Cup 2007
squad no. 17

club: Everton
position: forward
age: 28
caps: 29
goals: 5

USA 0-3:

Not called into action on this occasion.

Argentina 6-1: Football England Rating 5

Got on as a late substitute for Eni Aluko but could not really make an impression despite linking up neatly once or twice.

Germany 0-0:

Found Alex Scott preferred to her for this game so the Everton attacker is unlikely to see any meaningful action in the tournament.

Japan 2-2:

Didn't get her usual substitute appearance even though England were trailing when Hope Powell took Aluko off so may not feature at all during the competition.
Of course Aluko's sloppy performance might leave a door open for her and I would consider her as a possible option instead of Rachel Yankey who was annoyingly peripheral in this game.

Assessment:

Handley is an enthusiastic forward who has been around the England squad for years without ever establishing herself as a first choice pick.

She has sound all round abilities but there are no aspects of her game that are extra special. Will run, chase and harry all day long if asked (probably without being asked to be fair) but will she score you that vital goal?

She might do.

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