Broadcaster and journalist Katie Shanahan believes skipper Millie Bright is crucial to England's World Cup hopes.

Having not featured competitively since a knee operation in March, Chelsea star Bright was in a race against time to be available for Saturday's Group B clash against Haiti.

But boss Sarina Wiegman has confirmed the 29-year-old centre-back is "ready to play" against the minnows in Brisbane.

And Shanahan, ITV's England correspondent for the tournament, exclusively told LiveScore: "I'd like to see Bright in that starting line-up and stay there.

"I think she's so important and in those games where she's been missing, we've really noticed her absence. 

"She's going to want to come back firing. She's such a leader and is so important in that defence. 

"She has the authority, good communication and is frankly terrifying for forwards!

"England need that. We don't have loads of experience in the squad. Bright offers that. 

"She's had a fantastic career with England and Chelsea and I think we need those leaders to help us go throughout this tournament."

Feel-good factor

Shanahan, 31, will be with the Lionesses throughout the tournament, gaining regular insight from inside their Brisbane camp.

She added: "There's a real feel-good factor around the group. 

"Lots of laughing and lots of competitiveness but, at the same time, everyone is having fun.

"I think that's what Sarina is all about... creating an atmosphere where the players can express themselves.

"Fifteen of them are making their World Cup debuts and it's a very relaxed atmosphere.

"We've seen Katie Zelem and Ellie Roebuck zooming around Brisbane on scooters, we've seen Chloe Kelly and Lauren Hemp having dinner in a burger bar and they've been going to the beach as well.

"So I think England have got it right in making it a relaxed environment for the players and making sure they enjoy themselves while they're out here."

On a Daly basis

There are plenty of talking points over Wiegman's team selection ahead of England's opening game — not least who will start up front.

Women's Super League Golden Boot winner Rachel Daly is battling with Alessia Russo and Bethany England for a place in Saturday's starting XI.

Shanahan said: "I can go from what Sarina told me in the last game, which was that Daly would be a regular starter. 

"We've got to go from experience. We know Russo is such a big impact from the bench and Daly was the Golden Boot winner in the WSL.

"So bearing in mind that Sarina does go on club form as well as how they play for England, I think Daly will start and Russo will come off the bench."

End the drought

England are without a goal in their last three games, including successive 0-0 draws in their two warm-up clashes against Portugal and Canada.

Shanahan added: "I think it's a bit of a concern, if I'm being honest.

"With respect, the first game against Haiti is a good opportunity to get a few goals under their belt because we don't want this goal drought to carry on."