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Dropping Ama Agbeze was a huge call, but performance-wise England have the right World Cup squad

Ama Agbeze will not be going to the World Cup - NurPhoto
Ama Agbeze will not be going to the World Cup - NurPhoto

We all knew Ama Agbeze wasn’t going to get picked last weekend. It was a huge call, because I think what she’s done culturally for that squad is incredible. However, from a performance base, you have to be realistic.

England only beat Australia by one goal at the Commonwealth Games. They have to pick a squad they believe they can win and that’s why Wasps’ Fran Williams completely snapped it up. She’s earned her position at Wasps as goal defence this season.

She’s had some international experience over the last eight months and she’s such a smart player. Having been the captain of the England under-21’s, she’s also a great leader. I know she’ll go out on that court against Uganda, against Samoa and against Scotland and do a job, you can trust her to do that because she’s always striving to improve.

Serena Guthrie being made captain was kind of expected. She first took on the role last year, filling in for Ama. And now she gets the chance to lead an England team at a World Cup. It is a big moment for her.

She’s so involved as a player and if you want someone to drag you through a game, it’s Serena Guthrie you want on your side. England are going to need that in this World Cup because it’s not going to be an easy ride. They’ve got some big matches coming up and so to have Serena leading the team is massive.

Looking at the rest of the squad, Natalie Panagarry is probably the shock of the group. She’s always been on the cusp of that England squad. It always happens - when a major person like Beth Cobden goes down injured - you start to look at your next best and why not?

Natalie has performed all year in the Superleague and she’s been absolutely brilliant for Loughborough this year. As a player, you have to take your opportunities in whatever way they come.

She can play centre, wing defence and can go in at wing attack if needed. She’s that gritty, grindy player who’ll get out here and just keep working. For her, it’s an amazing opportunity to be picked for a home World Cup for a team that are one of the favourites to win.

I can't believe it's now less than 50 days to go until the tournament gets underway, I'm sure the players will be thinking the same. It's an exciting time for everyone.