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Katie Chapman Arsenal Ladies
squad no. 8
Chapman has regained her place in the England midfield after the birth of her latest child and can be expected to provide a solid platform for the attackers and protection for the defence. Has work to do to convince everybody that she is as effective as she has been in years gone by at this level and her place could come under threat if she is not at her best. Italy: 1-2 7 out of 10 Wasn't looking too secure as the holding player in midfield as Italy began to break dangerously in the first half but was effective at the back after Casey Stoney's sending off. Russia: 3-2 6 out of 10 Again wasn't able to offer any real protection to the back four but was sound enough in the midfield exchanges and helped force the pace after England fell two goals behind. Sweden: 1-1 7 out of 10 This was a very sound display by Chapman although she was harshly penalised for Swedens' penalty. Stood up to the physical challenge throughout and made sure England were never intimidated. Finland: 3-2 9 out of 10 Chapman is well in the running to be England's player of the tournament and this was another colossal display. Began superbly in midfield, sweeping up everything that dropped in or around England's penalty area, and moved back into defence to good effect after Faye White's injury. Holland: 2-1 7 out of 10 Another solid display from Chapman although she could do little to open up the massed Holland defence. Her competitive nature will be required in the final though. Germany: 2-6 5 out of 10 This was Chapman's least effective performance of the tournament as she struggled to get to grips with Germany's fluent and forceful midfield. This left England's back four overly exposed with obvious consequences.
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