Karen Carney

Karen Carney - England Winger - World Cup 2007
squad no. 7

club: Arsenal
position: winger
age: 20
caps: 28
goals: 5

USA 0-3: Football England Rating 7

England's brightest and boldest attacker. Always looking to cause problems and provided the most telling passes of anyone in a red shirt. Deserved better support.

Argentina 6-1:

Dropped or rested? Has looked the liveliest attacker bar Kelly Smith and will hopefully be restored for the quarter finals.

Germany 0-0: Football England Rating 6

The slight Carney struggled somewhat against the imposing German defence but she is a game player who never shirks a challenge.
It should also be remembered that she produced three or four truly telling passes in the first half that might have brought goals had her colleagues been that bit sharper.

Japan 2-2: Football England Rating 7

Spoiled a few promising positions and her set pieces were below par but she never hides and was continually trying to get England back into the match.
Created several fine chances but probably should have scored when she forced a low save out of the keeper from inside the box.
Pretty good but perhaps better to come?

Assessment:

If England are to do well this impish winger will probably have to emerge as a serious talent. She has the skill and ability to become a matchwinner and showed in Euro 2005 that she has a big match temperament.

Combines old fashioned dribbling skills with a schemer's eye for a pass and is capable of unlocking any defence. With Kelly Smith undoubtedly going to be singled out by the opposition as the chief danger someone like Carney will have to step forward and take on extra responsibility.

We are confident this girl has got what it takes.

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