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Anita Asante Sky Blue FC
squad no. 6 Now established as England’s number one defender, Asante has come up against just about all the worlds’ top forwards in the past few years and has always performed with credit. England need another top performance from their lynch pin. Italy: 1-2 7 out of 10 Looked typically strong and assured at centre half and did well at left back after Casey Stoney's red card. Went off with a knock during the second half which will be a real concern to Hope Powell. Russia: 3-2 Missed this game through injury and boy did England miss her. Without her the defence lost all its balance and most of its authority. Sweden: 1-1 Again absent through injury. England coped better in this game but Asante's return would be welcome. Finland: 3-2 7 out of 10 Returned to the heart of the England defence and was generally sound though made a couple of unforced errors that England would not want repeating. Holland: 2-1 7 out of 10 Had one or two hairy moments but was generally solid and improved the England performance after half time with her ability to bring the ball out of defence. Germany: 2-6 5 out of 10 Asante had been brilliant against these opponents two years previously in the World Cup but was totally unable to dominate here. Couldn't control the pace and movement of Inka Grings which proved fatal to England's chances.
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