Chelsea: Lionesses need Fran Kirby to leave her mark against the USA

Fran Kirby has had an understated role for England so far in the Women’s World Cup. The Lionesses need the Chelsea midfielder to step forth and be at her creative best if they hope to defeat the United States.

England have themselves on the right trajectory heading into their Women’s World Cup semifinal against the United States. The Lionesses have demonstrably improved with each successive game, culminating (so far) in their complete dismantling of Norway. England played at a high tempo against Norway, pressing and counter-pressing so aggressively that Norway players could scarcely take a touch before facing a 1v2 battle in an overloaded patch of the pitch. They matched that by being just as quick going forward, with full-backs and wingers sprinting down the touchline as attacking midfielder Jill Scott pushed right up against striker Ellen White.

Somewhat overrun and overshadowed in the pocket surrounded by White, Scott and Toni Duggan was Chelsea FCW’s most important creative player, Fran Kirby.

Kirby has yet to put in the type of performance for England that she regularly produces for Chelsea. She has tucked back behind the rest of the forwards, but the flow of play has not brought the ball back to her. At times she has tried dropping deeper to pick up the ball, but particularly against Norway, this just served to take her out of the play. Keira Walsh at defensive midfield does enough to keep things moving forward that she almost moves the play right past Kirby.

The offensive strength of England’s right side – winger Nikita Parris in front of fullback Lucy Bronze – also reduces Kirby’s involvement. The defenders and Walsh look to Bronze when they are playing the ball out, which advances things beyond the regular moments when Kirby could have the greatest effect.

However, England’s right side will be well-met by the United States’ left. Megan Rapinoe leads the American attack from left wing, with former Chelsea left-back Crystal Dunn securing the side. Phil Neville may look to avoid this side of the pitch in both directions, which would help bring Kirby into the proceedings more as the left attacking midfielder.

As part of being the best team and favourite to win the tournament, the United States bring more tactical uncertainty to the match than anyone the Lionesses have faced so far.

The US reversed their usual tactics against France in the quarterfinals, letting France have possession and hitting on the break. The US played against type, and France were not able to break them down.

If Jill Ellis takes a similar approach against England, Kirby could have greater opportunities to become part of the play. Prolonged spells of possession against a defensive block would leave England looking for more creative openings to find their way into the American box.

Much like Chelsea’s first team this season, if the Lionesses cannot find a way through on the break, they may struggle to break down the defence. Their fullbacks will look to send in crosses, but the US defence is more capable in the air than any opponent England has faced so far. Playing through the central midfielders, Jill Scott would be the direct option, while Kirby would be the more deft alternative.

However, Ellis is not going to do anything that will allow Kirby to influence her first game of the tournament. England has advanced this far without Kirby playing a major role. Ellis will not want to invite them bring Kirby into the game, and will build her tactics around letting England play against themselves.

England have made distinct improvements in each game of this tournament. Against Norway, 10 of the 11 players were firing. If Phil Neville can activate the 11th for this game, a full strength Lioness squad could overcome the defending champions.

Chelsea FCW have turned to Fran Kirby many times over the last few seasons. England will need more than just her to win, but they will need her at her best to have a chance.