Rachel Brown

Rachel Brown - England's Goalkeeper - World Cup 2007
squad no. 1

club: Everton
position: Goalkeeper
age: 27
caps: 44
goals:

USA 0-3: Football England Rating 3

Never came close to repeating her outstanding display against the Germans and her performance degenerated into something of a nightmare after half time.
Spilled several routine crosses without being punished and also got lucky with a clearance that was charged down by an attacker.
Might have done better with the second goal and was embarrassed with the third as the ball bounced over her head on the edge of her box from a punt down the middle.

Argentina 6-1: Football England Rating 5

Having been impeccable under intense pressure against the Germans Brown was slightly erratic again when far less involved.
Gifted the Argentinian centre forward a shooting opportunity with a woeful pass out of her area and was beaten by a free kick for the third time in the tournament.

Germany 0-0: Football England Rating 9

Brown did not have many saves to make thanks to a splendid defensive effort but came up trumps with a fine stop with her feet to deny Kerstin Garefrekes late on.
Her handling was absolutely brilliant in awful conditions and her assurance spread confidence right through the side.

Japan 2-2: Football England Rating 4

In a competition that might well be remembered for the goalkeeping for all the wrong reasons England's number one did nothing to suggest she will be a glowing exception.
Has to be questioned about the arranging of her walls for the two free kick goals and was caught out anticipating wrongly for the first one.
Her best moment was a brave block late on which resulted in her needing treatment and was obviously still shaken when she then threw the ball straight to a Japanese attacker on the edge of the box. Luckily Brown got away with that one.
Having had injury problems in the last year she might be a doubt for the next game.
Despite her dodgy performance here the England camp will want her fit for the games coming up.

Assessment:

The undisputed number one goalkeeper in England but Brown's preparations for this tournament have not been the best. Missed much of last season through injury and her most recent performances for her country have not been her best.

Brave and agile she is not the biggest and will need to be commanding if England are to progress. Brown simply needs to be at her best.

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