Lauren Hemp: Man City forward can be the star for England at Women’s World Cup, says Jonas Eidevall

Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall is backing Lauren Hemp to be a star player for England at the Women’s World Cup.

England are preparing for their opening game against Haiti on July 22 as they bid to win their first World Cup in Australia and New Zealand this summer.

The Lionesses are considered one of the heavy favourites to win the competition with their squad mostly consisting of Women’s Super League players.

Eidevall, who led Arsenal to a third-placed finish in the WSL and won the League Cup, believes Man City forward Hemp can be one of the players of the tournament.

The 22-year-old has scored 10 times in 38 appearances for her country, and provided 10 assists and 10 goals across all competitions for City since joining the club in January.

“On her day, there are very few better,” said Eidevall, who will be working as a TV pundit in Australia and New Zealand.

“She will be pivotal for England this tournament.

“If England do go far, as I back them to, I think she could stand out as a star of the World Cup.”

England go into the World Cup as defending European champions, but injuries to key players Leah Williamson, Fran Kirby and Beth Mead have disrupted their preparations for this summer’s tournament.

Eidevall still believes the Lionesses have enough quality in their squad to win women’s football’s most prestigious competition.

“Why not?” He said.

“Despite some injuries and a lot of discussion about those injuries, they remain one of the best teams in world football.

“They have got superb players, a great manager and don’t forget, they go into this tournament as Champions of Europe.

“I think they have a good chance of going one step further and becoming world champions.”