Lauren Hemp vs Kosovare Asllani: The stars who could decide England vs Sweden semi-final
England and Sweden meet on Tuesday for a place in the Euro 2022 final
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.England take on Sweden in a Euro 2022 semi-final featuring a wealth of attacking talent on both teams.
Here we take a look at how rival wingers Lauren Hemp and Kosovare Asllani could help decide the first place in Sunday’s final.
Lauren Hemp
Position: Forward
Age: 21
Height: 5ft 4in
Caps: 26
Tournament goals: One
Tournament attempts: 11
Tournament assists: One
Debut: 2019
Club: Manchester City
The Manchester City winger has been a key part of England’s success under Sarina Wiegman and has already contributed in this tournament with a goal and an assist in the 8-0 group-stage rout of Norway. Goals have occasionally been hard to come by but since finally breaking her international duck in style with four in November’s 20-0 win over Latvia, she has eight in her last 13 caps. She was below her best for much of the quarter-final against Spain but after surviving Wiegman’s wave of substitutions, she forced her way into the game and her decoy run opened the path for Georgia Stanway’s stunning winner. Her set-piece delivery could also have a part to play.
Kosovare Asllani
Position: Forward
Age: 32
Height: 5ft 5in
Caps: 165
Tournament goals: One
Tournament attempts: 13
Tournament assists: One
Debut: 2008
Club: AC Milan
The new AC Milan signing’s experience is in contrast to Hemp’s youth but their impact has been similar. Captain Asllani’s only goal of the tournament so far came via a penalty against Portugal but she had assists in all three group games to jointly lead the tournament standings in that category. She scored against England in the 2019 World Cup third-place play-off and her ability with the ball at her feet could create a selection headache for Wiegman given the way left-back Rachel Daly was tormented by Spain substitute Athenea Del Castillo in the quarter-final. Like Hemp, Asllani is also a key set-piece taker for a team who thrive on such situations.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments