Mary Phillip

Mary Phillip - England Defender - World Cup 2007
squad no. 6

club: Arsenal
position: centre half
age: 30
caps: 56
goals:

USA 0-3: Football England Rating 4

Just about passed the test defensively but her discomfort on the ball was more evident than ever and hampered England's chances of building attacks down the right wing.
Should have sat this one out.

Argentina 6-1: Football England Rating 6

Phillip was solid again at right back but offers next to nothing moving forward and was basically redundant against sub-standard opposition.
Hope Powell understandably has a lot of faith in the ultra reliable Phillip but to break better teams down she could do with more creativity out of defence.

Germany 0-0: Football England Rating 7

Moved to right back to allow Anita Asante to return and was basically faultless in a defensive sense.
Phillip has no real footballing ability, however, and contributed nothing to the attacking play.

Japan 2-2: Football England Rating 5

Never looked entirely convincing although generally did enough at the back.
Was harshly penalised for the last minute free kick from which Japan equalised but her biggest mistake had been in mistiming her headed clearance in the first place.
Does not look capable of controlling the German attack and if Anita Asante is fit I would choose her instead.

Assessment:

Phillip is quick, reads the game well and vastly experienced. Will probably partner either White or Asante, both more physical, although if both these players are fit and on form her place will come under serious threat.

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