Euro 2022 winners England are in Group D along with Asian Champions China, first-timers Haiti, and Denmark. In what should be a fairly straightforward group for England, one player who will be drawing everyone’s attention is Alex Greenwood. The 29-year-old plays on the left side of defence — either as a left-back or as a left-sided centre-back.

The below visualisation shows where the English international ranks for some of the key metrics when compared with the other left-sided centre-backs from WSL in the 22/23 season.

Alex Greenwood accumulated the second-most minutes in the league this season for Manchester City. In her third season at City, Greenwood is one of the most offensive centre-backs in the league and that is no surprise when we look at her offensive numbers in the above radar — 77th percentile for Expected Goal Contributions per 90 minutes, 67th percentile for shots per 90 minutes, 60th percentile for touches in the opposition penalty area. Greenwood is not afraid to take on her opponents in 1v1 duels and dribble past them, ranking 60th percentile for dribbles per 90 minutes.

On the ball, Greenwood is often the one carrying the ball and is not hesitant to attempt a risky through ball between the lines. An integral part of the build-up play, Greenwood’s majority of the passes are progressive and line breaking disrupting the opposition press. Defensively, her aerial ability is something that she needs to improve upon.

Alex Greenwood was an integral part of England’s success at the Euros last year, and she will once again be vital if England are to win the World Cup for the first time.