Group D Preview
Teams: China, Denmark, England, Haiti
Group D includes two reigning regional winners in England (of the Euros) and China (the Asian Cup). In terms of longevity in the World Cup, it could be these two that Fantasy managers look to. They haven’t played each other since 2015, when their two friendlies resulted in a win each.
England went 30 games unbeaten under the change in leadership to Sarina Wiegman. Yet, injuries to key names have made their way for younger players. China’s recent drop in form against European teams cannot rule them out due to their previous success at the competition. Denmark will be hoping to make their mark following a successful and unbeaten progression to qualify after failing to get out of their group in last year’s Euros, and this being their first time to qualify for the World Cup since 2007. Recently in FIFA world rankings, Denmark (13th) has overtaken China (14th). Haiti’s young-accomplished squad have achieved their first World Cup spot in this group also.
At the last two World Cups, China’s matches have ended with close margins and, in living up to their nickname the ‘Steel Roses’, play to keep tight at the back with their formation. China’s attacking threat looks to Wang Shuang ($500,000), important in their Asian Cup journey with 5 goals and 3 assists. Defender Li Mengwen at $500,000 is one of China’s more expensive players, and with Li Mengwen ($500,000 from PSG) could benefit fantasy-wise from China’s tactics. Zhu Yu ($300,000) earned ‘best goalkeeper’, and made sure to complete the defence which conceded 5 goals to win the Asian Cup. This will prove their first match against Denmark to be potentially the most telling on who will also progress out of Group D.
Denmark’s return to the World Cup by a near-perfect qualification run saw them score 40 and concede only 2. Their defence includes Sofie Svava ($500,000) whose full-back position shows her beginnings in midfield through her offensive movements down the wing. Captain Pernille Harder scored the only Denmark goal in Euros 22. Since hamstring injury, Harder returned to form with 5 goals and 3 assists in her first games back at club level. As the most expensive Dane at $900,000, perhaps an alternative fantasy-wise would be to look at the aforementioned midfielders or Signe Brune who, in qualification, scored 12 in 6 games.
England’s journey through their home Euros saw an almost unchanged starting 11, central to that being the midfield duo of Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway. Overall, England is the highest priced in the group. Stepping into captaincy Millie Bright ($900,000) is returning from injury with a great record of involvement in clean sheets. In addition to experienced Lucy Bronze ($1,000,000), these two would be great choices to spend higher in defence with both of their keenness to join in the action in the final third. Mary Earps in goal at a price of 600,000 is a great opportunity. Attack-wise, the creative contributions turn to Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly, and Lauren James. Prior to their current form, England’s unbeaten run scored 138 and conceded only 10 in 30 games. They may replicate their clean sheets and multiple goals in these group stages and, if that energy and form can be replicated down under then one of these selected high-prices may prove to be a great return.
Haiti’s domestic situation has meant their home games for qualification were held in the Dominican Republic, plus the squad plays club football abroad, gaining experience in the US and in Europe. Haiti’s captain is Nerilia Mondésir, the forward priced at 350,000, and scored three goals in Haiti’s play-offs. For Montpellier, Mondésir this season has contributed 9 goals and 2 assists – their progressive ball work is a key chance for Haiti to make their mark.
Players to Watch
China’s Wang Shanshan scored at least once in every game up until the final of the Asian Cup, being named as the ‘most valuable player’. Noted as a forward, Shanshan actually played as a centre-back during the later stages of the 2022 Asian Cup. This ability to switch, as well as costing $250,000, added to the opportunity of China to progress out of the group could mean Shanshan is a great addition.
Denmark’s Kathrine Kühl ($400,000) is set to make her first WC. A young technical midfielder from Arsenal, recognised for her passing and movement, could provide the spark for Denmark in linking up the team to create that opportunity of making it out of Group D.
Rachel Daly ($800,000), who previously played as a left-back in the national team, returned to England from the NWSL at the beginning of the season. Her new role as striker now aligns with her club level where this WSL season she scored 22 goals; winning the golden boot and equalling the league’s record, making player of the season.
Haiti’s Melchie Dumornay, 19-year-old midfielder now signed to Lyon, was named as ‘best young player’ and in the best eleven of the CONCACAF 2022 championship. More importantly, it was Dumornay’s brace in the play-off final for Haiti. One of the exciting young players of the tournament and is priced at $350,000.