Rachel Brown

Everton Ladies
squad no. 1
caps 57

Brown was culpable when England were knocked out of the World Cup two years ago and has struggled for fitness and top form ever since. She goes into this tournament still England’s number one but if she does not perform convincingly she might find herself lower down the pecking order.

Italy: 1-2

4 out of 10

Fumbled one shot behind in the first half and could not keep out Italy's winner which was struck from a prohibitive distance and angle.
Simply does not inspire confidence any longer.

Russia: 3-2

7 out of 10

Why can't anything be straightforward with England's goalkeeper any more?
Brown had saved England on several occasions, including two top drawer stops, but still found the time to set pulses racing with a ridiculous drop kick into the back of the nearest opponent during the second half.
Overall this was a very pleasing display, however.

Sweden: 1-1

6 out of 10

This was a relatively quiet game for Brown who saw her defence put on a much more assured display.

Finland: 3-2

6 out of 10

It was hard to actually blame Brown for England's difficulties at corners during the second half as Finland piled bodies all around her but England's keeper could do nothing to alleviate the pressure and her weak punch actually presented the second goal on a plate.
She did make one truly outstanding save to keep the score at 3-2 though.

Holland: 2-1

6 out of 10

Barely had a save to make and had no chance with the goal. Wasn't convincing at corners and that could be a big issue in the final.

Germany: 2-6

3 out of 10

Brown had a nightmare in conceding six goals in a major final although it is arguable how much of the damage was her fault. Being kind you could exonerate her from blame on all of the goals, being harsh you could find fault on four of them.
What is certain is that to compete with Germany you need your goalkeeper to be on top form and to inspire confidence in the rest of the side. Brown wasn't remotely able to do this.
Letting in the second goal from forty yards was a particular disappointment.