Blues ladies star Karen Carney has sights set on World Cup last 16 - The Solihull Observer

Blues ladies star Karen Carney has sights set on World Cup last 16

Solihull Editorial 15th Jun, 2015 Updated: 21st Oct, 2016   0

BLUES midfielder Karen Carney is confident England can progress through to the knockout stages of the Women’s World Cup after beating Mexico 2-1 on Saturday evening.

The Blues skipper came off the bench in the second half to double England’s lead eight minutes from time with a rare headed goal in Moncton after Fran Kirby had opened the scoring on 71 minutes.

Fabiola Ibarra pulled a goal back for Mexico in injury-time but England held out for a crucial three points to move up to second in Group F on three points.

“It was a very rare headed goal from me,” Carney told the FA.




“I think it came off my plait, which Siobhan Chamberlain did for me so I’m really grateful to her for that.

“A goal’s a goal. We needed it. Fran’s goal was exceptional as well. It’s a whole-team thing. Everyone was amazing – from the people that started to the people that came on.”


Carney had come into the tournament having made only a handful of appearances for Birmingham City Ladies having picked up a back injury towards the back-end of last season.

She did not play a part in the opening 1-0 defeat to France because it was causing her minor problems again, but she was fit enough to make an impact from the bench on Saturday.

And the 27-year-old was quick to praise the impact of the England team doctor and physios.

“I’d like to thank the medical staff who helped me get back to where I need to be and put me in the position to help the team, so fair play to them.

“They have been really, really good with me.”

A spot in the last 16 is well withing England’s grasp heading into their final group game on Wednesday evening.

A win over Columbia will put England through and Carney wants a repeat performance.

She added: “The team did really well. They dealt with the pressure. We dug deep when we needed to and got the result. Now we are really excited to play Colombia.

“The competition is healthy. We are all supporting each other and are all behind each other as we will be against Colombia.”

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