Team GB draw hosts Japan in the 2020 Olympics
Sophie Ingle of Wales in action Wales v Denmark International Women's Friendly at the Cardiff City Stadium on the 13th April 2021. Lewis Mitchell/YCPD
Team GB women have drawn the hosts Japan in this summer’s rearranged 2020 Summer Olympics.
The side which will consist of players from Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England, have been drawn in Group E
As well as facing Japan they will play Canada and Chile, who they face in the tournament’s opening fixture on July 21 in Sapporo.
They will then face the hosts Japan three days later in the same stadium, before rounding off the group stage against Canada at the Kashima Stadium.
In charge of Team GB is current interim England Manager Hege Riise.
Norway’s all-time appearance maker already has gold medals to her name, she won the tournament with her country in 2000.
Riise also won a medal from the USA’s 2012 triumph, when she served as assistant manager.
Whilst the bulk of the squad will likely consist of English players, there are plenty of Welsh players for Riise to consider.
The most notable is Wales captain Sophie Ingle who has had a fantastic season at club level with Chelsea.
Ingle has been a key player for the Blues this season as they look to complete the quadruple.
Her versatility may give her the edge as she can comfortably play in both midfield and defence.
Another Welsh player who may be considered for a spot on the plane to Japan is Angharad James.
This season in the WSL, James ranks amongst the top three in most defensive stats.
She has the most successful pressures (158), Dribblers tackled (24) second-most tackles won (44).
James has the second-most interceptions (45) and the third most blocks (48).
This form has earned her a move Stateside, James will join North Carolina Courage at the end of her Reading contract.
The only other time Team GB have participated in the Olympic games was in 2012, where they were knocked out in the quarterfinals by Canada.
Hope Powell didn’t select a single Welsh player for the London 2012 squad meaning that any Wales player selected this year will be the first to play for the Women’s Team GB.
