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Millie Bright praises Daly’s efforts for Lionesses and England starlets who ‘play with freedom’

MILLIE BRIGHT reckons Rachel Daly can play in any position for England with the striker shining in attack as well as defence.  

The Lionesses' final Arnold Clark Cup game this year sees them face Belgium tomorrow evening at Ashton Gate. 

Rachel Daly and Millie Bright could be set to feature for the Lionesses when they take on Belgium
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Rachel Daly and Millie Bright could be set to feature for the Lionesses when they take on BelgiumCredit: PA
Sarina Wiegman is yet to decide on what would be her first choice starting 11 as England's World Cup preparations continue
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Sarina Wiegman is yet to decide on what would be her first choice starting 11 as England's World Cup preparations continueCredit: Getty

So far the hosts have netted six times with Daly bagging a brace deployed as a striker rather than her previous role as full-back. 

Vice-captain Bright, 29, said: "We all know what Rachel is capable of, but she's also very versatile and it's key to have that in the squad.

"She's a player who is very willing and she'll literally play anywhere - I think she said that a million times to you all. 

“But I like to see every player succeed and do well.

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"The beauty of having the squad that we do is we want everyone to perform and be at their best."

Daly, 31,  is joint-top scorer in this year’s tournament with Belgium’s Tessa Wullaert with both on two goals. 

Last year the Lionesses netted four goals with two scored by Bright with Daly playing in defence. 

Bright joked her pal wants to battle her for the Arnold Clark Cup Golden Boot - which the Chelsea ace won with Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas last year. 

She added: "I know Rachel said she was going to challenge me for it (the Golden Boot) at the start of the tournament.

"Coming into the tournament, I said I'd like to see more goals than there were at the last one.

"It's nice to see that there are plenty of goals. It makes it exciting."

England are without the services of Emily Ramsey with the goalkeeper withdrawing from camp following an ankle injury. 

Ramsey, on loan at Everton from Manchester United  is among a number of rising WSL stars who have broken into the senior squad. 

These include Lauren James, Katie Robinson and Jess Park. 

The trio have impressed with the competition for World Cup squad spots heating up. 

Katie Robinson is among England's newest squad members who have impressed during the Arnold Clark Cup
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Katie Robinson is among England's newest squad members who have impressed during the Arnold Clark CupCredit: Getty

Bright added: ”For youngsters coming in there's a lot to learn, but it was so nice to see the youngsters play with freedom. 

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“For me, that's a sign that we're doing all the right things and allowing them to go on and just play their game and keep developing. 

“Ultimately we have to keep moving forward as a squad.”

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