After a surprise international call-up, Manchester City’s star player is reproducing club form for his

Laura Coombs has been in blistering form for Manchester City, earning her a recall to the England squad eight years after her last appearance for the Lionesses.

Laura Coombs has been tipped to translate her red-hot Manchester City form onto the international stage following her surprise recall to the England squad.

Coombs, 32, last played for the Lionesses in 2015 and could have been forgiven for thinking her Lionesses career was over.

However, the Manchester City midfielder was recently named as a surprise inclusion in Sarina Wiegman’s Arnold Clark Cup squad.

And she is expected to make a significant contribution as the European champions face Korean Republic, Belgium, and Italy.

What have people said about Laura Coombs’ selection for the Lionesses?
Fara Williams, a Lionesses legend who racked up a record 172 caps between 2001 and 2019, believes Coombs’ consistency was key to her return and believes her vital experience can help England defend their Arnold Clark Cup trophy.

“Given the fact that England needs more midfielders and Laura Coombs has been one of the most consistent performers off the back end of last season and coming into now, her selection was absolutely not a surprise for me,” the 39-year-old said ahead of the Lionesses’ first game against Korea Republic on Thursday (16 February).

“I believe she was deserving of being called up.

“I think what people could be surprised about is that England has just won the Euros and will be looking to build for the future.

“Laura is now the oldest player in the squad so you would think they would look at a younger player instead.

“I believe she has been crucial to Manchester City. She’s recently entered the game and provided some strong assists, mostly to Khadija (Bunny) Shaw.

“She has a major impact when she’s playing in the game and so is warranted that opportunity to play for the national team.

“I’m delighted for her that Sarina has chosen her, and anyone who follows Manchester City regularly will be aware of how consistent she has been.”

Who will England face in the Arnold Clark Cup?
Wiegman’s team plays the unknown Korea Republic in their first game on Thursday, followed by Belgium and Italy later in the week. And with over 70,000 tickets sold, Williams has faith that Coombs’ experience can provide a new midfield threat for the Lionesses.

“I believe she can provide a lot of goals for this team from midfield,” she added.

“She’s a player that plays in a more advanced position and after losing that older experienced player in Jill Scott and Ellen White, Laura can bring that.

“It will take some time for her to adjust to the team and the way they play, but she’s played in some top teams, she has a lot of energy, and she can score goals from the back or charging into the box.”

Coombs helped Manchester City to third in the Women’s Super League table following their impressive 2-1 victory over Arsenal last weekend.

Gareth Taylor’s side is now only three points behind leaders Manchester United, with Chelsea in the middle, and Williams has stated that a strong attacking presence is critical for City to challenge for the top.

“I think Manchester City can challenge United and Chelsea if they keep their front three performing like they are, with Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly, and Bunny Shaw,” she said.

“It’s taken time for them to replace Kiera Walsh and I think that Yui Hasegawa has done a great job in finding that place and making City tick.

“I think City has come on leaps and bounds since Gareth put her in that position.”

The Lionesses will compete in the Arnold Clark Cup from February 16 to 22, 2023. The Arnold Clark Cup website has the last remaining tickets.

 

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