In Focus: Injury-stricken Lionesses have a hero in Hemp

With several key players missing, England desperately need another magic summer from the ever-reliable Lauren Hemp.

Manchester City's 22-year-old forward dazzled defenders during the Lionesses' iconic Euros triumph last summer and heads Down Under after another strong domestic campaign in the North West.

We take a closer look at the Norfolk-born ace's career to date and the role she has to play for the Lionesses at the upcoming World Cup.

Mercurial talent

While football is a team game, a quick glance at Hemp's individual accolades perhaps gives the strongest indication of just how special a talent she is.

The diminutive winger has been voted the best youngster in English football in four of the last five seasons by her fellow professionals — arguably the greatest recognition a footballer can receive.

To add to that, her trophy cabinet is already well stocked too.

As well as European Championship glory with her country, City's No11 was already an FA Cup and League Cup winner by the tender age of 21.

There is no doubt that many more awards and titles will be following in the years ahead.

Leading Lioness

Hemp was handed her senior England debut in October 2019 as a teenager by Phil Neville.

Under Neville's successor Sarina Wiegman, she has become one of the first names on the team sheet and already boasts 38 caps.

Her first four international goals came in England's record-breaking 20-0 victory over Latvia in November 2021 and less than 12 months later, her tally had breezed into double figures.

With star striker Beth Mead ruled out of this summer's tournament due to an ACL injury, there is an onus the full forward line to contribute goals in Australia and New Zealand.

All the signs suggest that Hemp is ready to rise to that challenge.

Centre of attention

Though Hemp traditionally prefers to play out wide, she is also more than capable of operating in a central striker berth.

That versatility was something that Wiegman took advantage of in last October's friendly against World champions USA to great effect.

Hemp led the line and scored the opening goal in a fantastic 2-1 England win, with the Dutch coach impressed by her performance.

Wiegman, 53, explained: "She's played there before, I've seen that. When she played at Bristol City, she played there, Under-20s she played in that position sometimes.

"We wanted to give her freedom to play and have some very simple tasks. I think she really enjoyed herself, and so did we."

Tipped to shine

Regardless of position, the youngster's blistering pace and direct running will always cause huge problems for opposition defenders.

One of her most high-profile admirers is Arsenal Women boss Jonas Eidevall, who has this week backed Hemp to light up this summer's showpiece.

The 40-year-old Swede said: "On her day, there are very few better. She will be pivotal for England this tournament.

"If England do go far, as I back them to, I think she could stand out as a star of the World Cup."

Expectations are high — but Hemp rarely fails to deliver.