Flaherty: Lionesses can roar Down Under without key players

Gilly Flaherty insists injuries to key players will not stop England enjoying success at the World Cup this summer.

Sarina Wiegman was forced to omit skipper Leah Williamson and Euro 2022 Player of the Tournament Beth Mead from her squad due to ACL injuries, while Chelsea star Fran Kirby also missed out due to a knee problem. 

The Lionesses boss turned to in-form Tottenham striker Bethany England to fill the void left by Mead's absence, while Lucy Bronze and Millie Bright were included after injury issues. 

And Flaherty, who hung up her boots in January, believes Wiegman has the strength in depth at her disposal to conquer the world. 

Speaking exclusively to LiveScore, she said: "Everything seemed to go the right way for the team at the Euros last summer and now they have to deal with more difficult circumstances.

"The injuries will have an impact on the team but it opens the door for others to step in and take their chance."

Speaking at the unveiling of a mural for Chelsea star Guro Reiten, who recorded the most assists in a record-breaking 2022-23 Women's Super League campaign, Flaherty revealed she is excited to see how England use last summer's experience to their advantage in Australia and New Zealand. 

Sixteen of the 23-strong group Wiegman selected for last summer's Euros are heading to the World Cup, with Millie Bright set to captain the side in the absence of Williamson.

Five of England's nine goalscorers from that competition are also involved, as well as two of the top three scorers in the WSL this season in England and Rachel Daly.

Flaherty, 31, said: "It's going to be tough but it's a knockout competition.

"If they can get out of the group they have every chance of going all the way.

"There are other very strong teams. I think Australia will do well. The fact it's a home tournament gives them an edge and they've got a lot of key players returning from injuries.

"I think USA will be strong, too. Obviously they had a disappointing Olympics [in 2021] but they're world champions.

"They'll be very motivated to make sure they put up a better fight and hold on to their trophy this time around."