How do Lionesses solve full-back succession problem?

How do Lionesses solve full-back succession problem? By Emma Sanders BBC Sport women’s football news reporter Published 19 minutes ago 1 Comments The Lionesses will be looking to win the Women's World Cup next year - but to accomplish that goal they may need to find a solution to their "full-back problem". At right-back, Lucy Bronze, 34, has been England's undisputed starter for the best part of a decade - but how long can she keep playing? And is there anyone following in her footsteps? There is even more ambiguity at left-back - with several centre-backs having filled the position in recent years, while striker Rachel Daly started every game there when England won the first of their back-to-back European titles in 2022. The full-back issue has not gone unnoticed at the Football Association - interim England Under-23s boss Lauren Smith admits they have been plotting a succession plan for more than 18 months. "You've probably been thinking 'hey, what's this full-back problem?' And that's the same as we have been thinking a little bit over time," said Smith. "It's not something that is new to us. When I stepped into [my under-19s head coach] role, the conversation was happening about how we could maybe think differently or look differently for players in the pathway. "That work has been going on a long time. You are starting to see the fruits of it." Lucy Bronze - the making of England's most decorated player Published 2 July 2025 Who are the current options? In England's four friendly matches to end 2025, manager Sarina Wiegman started three different players at left-back, and Bronze and Maya Le Tissier at right-back. The Dutchwoman has made it clear she believes Le Tissier is the current back-up option for Bronze despite captaining Manchester United at centre-back. Versatile Washington Spirit defender Esme Morgan, who impressed at centre-back during Euro 2025, is also capable of playing on the right. Speaking about her role in October, Morgan said: "I can fill in i...