George Stanway hoping versatility gives her edge in battle for Olympic spot
The Manchester City player admits the competition for places in the squad for Tokyo is tough.
Georgia Stanway feels her versatility could count in her favour when it comes to Olympic selection but has stressed the competition for places in the Great Britain squad is fierce.
Operating in a midfield role, Manchester City’s Stanway, who has also played in positions further forward and as a right-back, was arguably England’s most positive performer in their 2-0 loss to Canada on Tuesday.
The friendly at Stoke’s bet365 Stadium was the Lionesses’ last fixture before interim boss Hege Riise next month names an 18-player GB squad for the summer’s Tokyo Olympics.
“I’ve played in many different positions this year for City and for England, and potentially it’s just another string to my bow. I’m glad that I can do a job for the team wherever it is.
“But we’ve got a very talented squad, so it will be tough when the announcement comes out.”
Asked if she felt confident of making the squad, the 22-year-old said: “You really don’t know.
“I’ve worked my socks off to try to get in this position and it’s been a rollercoaster, it’s had its ups and downs. You’ve just got to enjoy the ride and we’ve got club to focus on – we’ve got potentially a WSL (Women’s Super League trophy) to lift if we can get the results we need.
“So we’ll focus on that first and then if the Olympics happens for me, it happens, if it doesn’t, best of luck to the girls.”
Tuesday’s match was England’s third under Riise following a 6-0 win over Northern Ireland in February and Friday’s 3-1 loss to France. The Lionesses, who will be managed by Sarina Wiegman from September, have now suffered nine defeats in 14 games.
Nichelle Prince then added a close-range finish with four minutes of normal time remaining as she pounced on a misjudged touch taken by Karen Bardsley following Millie Bright’s backpass.
Jordan Nobbs’ 29th-minute free-kick, tipped against the crossbar by Stephanie Labbe, was the closest England went to scoring.
Stanway, who “really enjoyed” playing in the midfield role, said: “I personally feel like we’re heading in the right direction.
“In terms of the two games, it’s tier-one opposition, it’s another opportunity for us to work with two unbelievable coaches (Riise and assistant Rhian Wilkinson) and just try to knuckle down on what we want to play at the Olympics.
“We’re not at the Olympics yet – this is just another stepping stone, so potentially it’s a stepping stone in the right direction and we’re just waiting to get to our level.”
