With the 2019 SheBelieves Cup kicking off tomorrow at Talen Energy Stadium, there will be numerous international stars on the pitch as the United States, England, Japan and Brazil kick off the tournament. With so much talent, here are four players that you should keep an eye on as the action goes on.
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Rose Lavelle- United States
The young midfielder is looking to cement her spot for the 2019 Women's World Cup squad with a strong performance in the tournament. The 23-year-old earned her first USWNT senior cap at the 2017 SheBelieves Cup, earning Player of the Match honors in her debut. With a crowded midfield that includes names such as Tobin Heath, Megan Rapinoe, Carli Lloyd, Julie Ertz, the competition is fierce to make the trip to France. In our Q&A with broadcasting legend JP Dellacamera, he said Lavelle brings something that the United State needs when facing off against defensively minded opponents.
"With either her dribbling or passing, her socer IQ, she's able to handle than bunker situation," Dellacamera said. "I think that if she stays healthy, a lot of people could be talking about her when it's over."
Kumi Yokoyama- Japan
When Japan announced it's 2019 SheBelieves squad, the move toward younger players was evident with 12 of the 23 players 23-years-old or young. While most have senior caps under their belts, what's lacking on paper is proven goalscorers with only eight players having found the back of the net for the Nadeshiko. Enter Yokoyama who is well known for her scoring abilities having tallied 109 goals in her club career in Japan and Germany. Her ability to create earned the forward a nomination for the 2010 FIFA Puskas award for her goal at the U-17 World Cup.
On the national stage, the 25-year-old has scored 16 goals, the most on the current squad. With her experience and goalscoring abilities, the offense just might ride on her shoulders given Japan's tactical playing style.
Steph Houghton- England
The captain of the English squad, Houghton is a proven leader and commands the team whenever she takes the pitch. The 30-year-old center back has exactly 100 caps with her country and is still hungry to lead the squad to the top of the mountain after a heartbreaking 2015 Women's World Cup that concluded with a third-place finish.
Houghton is the face of English women's soccer, having played for both Arsenal and Manchester City where she currently plays. Facing off against an offensive-minded Brazil, Houghton and the defense need to remain compact to shut down the likes of Marta but the captain is more than ready for the challenge.
Formiga- Brazil
Formiga brings not only physicality but only a vast amount of experience. The 40-year-old has suited up for her country since the 1995 Women's World Cup and has played a record-tying six-consecutive World Cups. An appearance in France would not only set her apart in appearances but she'd surpass former USWNT captain Chrstene Pearce (formly Rampone).Seeing Formgia at Talen Energy Stadium on Wednesday will be special, as she retired from the national team following the 2016 Olympics only to return in 2018 because the team needed her.
