Rachel Yankey

Rachel Yankey - England Winger - World Cup 2007
squad no. 11

club: Arsenal
position: winger
age: 27
caps: 71
goals: 11

USA 0-3: Football England Rating 4

Came on at half time for Eni Aluko and struggled to make an impact yet again. On this occasion Hope Powell seemed more at fault, however, as the lack of a centre forward in the second half left England with no real point of attack.

Argentina 6-1: Football England Rating 7

Got better as the game wore on but still looked somewhat timid in her attempts to take on her full back. Does she have the bottle to hurt the stronger sides?
Forced a couple of saves from the keeper but missed badly with her best chance.
Had a hand in both Kelly Smith's goals.

Germany 0-0: Football England Rating 5

Came on as a second half substitute for Karen Carney and only really contributed with a couple of defensive blocks as Germany pressed late on.

Japan 2-2: Football England Rating 3

Desperately disappointing.
Early on Yankey flew past two defenders as if they weren't there and you would have thought she would have been hungry for more.
Instead she quickly faded and then all but disappeared. When she did get back into the game somewhat as England pressed forward in the second half she gave possession away continually with a series of half hearted flicks.
She also headed a great chance wide from a fantastic Karen Carney centre.
Yankey has become something of an England untouchable but this performance, if analysed closely, was totally unacceptable from such an experienced player.
Yankey has a big reputation and she needs to justify it now.

Assessment:

Yankey always looks fantastic, weaving her way smoothly down the left flank, but the substance is not always there, especially against the tougher opponents.

England need her to deliver in this competition because their system, two wide attackers and just one down the middle, depends on the wingers being effective. There is also nobody in reserve with her ability.

Whips in a mean set piece, as witnessed when England qualified in France, and these could be crucial throughout the competition.

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