Rachel Unitt

Rachel Unitt - England Left Back - World Cup 2007
squad no. 14

club: Everton
position: left back
age: 25
caps: 63
goals: 4

USA 0-3:

Ended up the only outfield player not to get on the pitch, which seemed unduly harsh.

Argentina 6-1:

Will have been gutted to miss out in this game and is unlikely to figure now with Casey Stoney in such strong form.
Unitt's left foot would have been a handy attacking weapon in a game where virtually no defending was needed but Hope Powell kept faith with her strongest back four.

Germany 0-0:

Another solid display from Casey Stoney means Unitt stays out in the cold for the time being.

Japan 2-2

Will have been disappointed to lose out to Casey Stoney in the left back position and will struggle to get back in as Stoney is probably the more reliable defender.
Against opponents who offered little attacking threat, however, Unitt might well have made a difference in an attcking sense with her cultured left foot and strength in the air at set pieces.
Maybe something to note ahead of the Argentina game.

Assessment:

Unitt, one of the glamour girls of English football, had been an automatic pick at left back for several years until injury hit her last season. Hope Powell shifted Casey Stoney across from the right and Unitt may now have to be content with a place on the bench.

Unitt is strong with a good positional sense and decent on the ball when coming forward. She also poses a threat from set pieces.

Her weakness is that she is somewhat slow turning and can be outmanoeuvred by a nippy winger. Unitt's sweet left foot does give her one huge advantage over Stoney when it comes to playing on that flank, however.

Check back here for Football England's Assessment of Rachel Unitt's Performances and News.