Baggaley (GK - Bristol City)
The Bristol City goalkeeper has had a wonderful season since making her move from Birmingham City permanent. Commanding in the air and with strong positional sense, Baggaley’s individual performances have been praised from all quarters, gained her plenty of plaudits from the Vixens faithful, and recognised at the highest level when she was called into the senior England squad after representing the Lionesses in junior age groups.
Hannah Blundell (RB - Chelsea)
The Chelsea full back has been a crucial part of her side’s Champions League campaign in 2018-19, looking assured and accomplished at that level, and her achievements were rewarded with a new long-term contract. In the past 18 months she has made the step up to the Lionesses senior team after impressing at U19, U20 and U23 level, named as part of Phil Neville’s fi rst squad to compete at the 2018 She Believes Cup after helping her club side to the domestic double.
Aoife Mannion (CB -Birmingham City)
Aoife Mannion has developed into one of the country’s most accomplished young defenders, honing her skills at Birmingham and getting her reward with international recognition at England under-23 level. She has become more of an attacking threat too – her wonder goal against Bristol City this season, as she lashed in a dipping shot from distance, secured her team all three points. The defender has spent her career in the Midlands, progressing through the Aston Villa centre of excellence before signing for Birmingham in 2013.
Steph Houghton (CB – Manchester City)
Having passed the 100-cap milestone for England earlier this season and won every domestic honour in the game more than once with Arsenal and Manchester City, Steph Houghton now has a huge summer ahead of her with World Cup glory up for grabs. An impeccable role model with strong leadership skills, a huge heart, versatility and a staggering work rate, the 30-year-old is an example to any aspiring young pro.
Demi Stokes (LB - Manchester City)
The England full-back has become vital to Nick Cushing’s side, and signed a new three-year deal with the club at the start of 2018. She has spent recent months justifying that faith in her, performing brilliantly since her recovery from a complicated hip injury. She began her footballing career with Sunderland before taking a scholarship to the University of South Florida in 2011, with a short spell with Vancouver Whitecaps before a switch to the South Florida Bulls.
Ji So-Yun (MF - Chelsea)
The technically gifted playmaker has a century of appearances on the board for Chelsea as well as her country, South Korea, and in 2019 was the player of the tournament during their campaign in the Cup of Nations. Fans around the world are now well used to seeing her dazzling skill and incredible vision. She was the PFA Women’s Player of the Year in 2015.
Kim Little (MF - Arsenal)
Arsenal captain Kim Little has led her team back to the Champions League, and has been an essential part of the Scotland squad that has achieved so much on the international stage in recent years. Returning to North London after a spell in Seattle as well as a loan period in Melbourne, she has overcome serious injury to return to her very best form.
Lia Walti (MF - Arsenal)
In her first year in England, the midfielder has stepped up to the challenge of WSL football, anchoring the centre of the park for Arsenal, and even donning the armband in the absence of the squad’s other senior professionals. A Swiss international with experience through the age groups, she will be looking forward to returning to Champions League competition next year.
Erin Cuthbert (FW – Chelsea)
The young Scotland international’s impact in her second season at Chelsea has been superb. From her sublimely skilful feet to her versatility across the midfield, the 20-year-old has been a tremendous asset to the West London club. Born and raised in Glasgow, Cuthbert will play a central role in her country’s first World Cup campaign in France this summer, scoring four goals in qualification to help Scotland top their group.
Nikita Parris (FW - Manchester City)
The explosive City forward is the all-time record goalscorer in the WSL. Aggressive and agile, her nose for goal is unerring as she tears defences apart mercilessly. She is bringing those qualities to the England squad as well, notching in the SheBelieves Cup tournament to help the Lionesses to glory.
Vivianne Miedema (FW - Arsenal)
The Dutch striker has broken the record for most goals scored in a single WSL season with Arsenal. Tricky, pacy and brimming with confidence, she has proved a defender’s worst nightmare, with solo stunners and short-range tap-ins all well within her repertoire – and she will be hoping that her brilliant domestic form is replicated on the international stage.
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