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Kelly Smith Boston Breakers
squad no. 10 Smith’s importance to England is universally recognised and she will be our most marked player. Worries about her fitness remain going into this tournament and if she is not 100% our prospects will be significantly reduced. Smith is one of the bravest, gamest footballers around and will no doubt give it everything she has but it is vital that some of her colleagues step up to the plate and share the burden of expectation for England to do well. Italy: 1-2 5 out of 10 Came on at half time to lead the England line but never looked at her best. Didn't show her usual strength in holding off defenders or the pace to stretch them. Russia: 3-2 7 out of 10 Much better in this game although Kelly still seems to be less than 100%. Was much more of a threat attacking from deeper than against Italy and provided another wonderfully memorable moment with her outrageous winner. Sweden: 1-1 7 out of 10 Not a dominant performance from Smith but she certainly carried a threat and almost repeated the wonder goal she scored against Russia. Finland: 3-2 7 out of 10 Again wasn't able to dominate in the way she can but was an important part of England's success, often dictating the pace and pattern of the game and always offering an outlet when the defence came under pressure. Holland: 2-1 7 out of 10 Fitfully brilliant and took her goal with real assurance. Looked to be really struggling during extra time, however, and we can only hope she is somewhere near full fitness for the final. Germany: 2-6 8 out of 10 Smith turned in her best performance of the tournament and looked just about at her sharpest as she sliced through the German defence to set up the first goal for Carney and then slammed in a tremendous cross shot to score the second herself after a lovely turn.
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