Goodwin and Potter make their England cases as Wiegman prepares play-off squad

Goodwin stakes her claim days before Wiegman names squad

Just over a week before Sarina Wiegman names her Lionesses squad for October's World Cup play-off tie against Greece, the England Under-23 international Isobel Goodwin did her chances of a first senior selection no harm at all, scoring twice for London City Lionesses in a comprehensive 4-1 victory at Charlton.

The 23-year-old, who linked up well with Alexia Putellas, scored five times in the WSL last term and will be keen to exceed that tally this season as she looks to force her way into Wiegman's plans.

Goodwin's timing could hardly be better. Chelsea's Aggie Beever-Jones has been out with a minor ankle injury and Arsenal's Michelle Agyemang is still working her way back from an ACL injury, meaning Wiegman may be considering alternative options for a backup striker to Alessia Russo for these key fixtures.

Potter continues to shine at the heart of Chelsea's midfield

There has been plenty of debate in recent months about the future of young English players in the WSL and whether they are being hampered by limited opportunities. England's Lexi Potter, however, is one young talent who has been catching the eye at the heart of Chelsea's midfield.

Chelsea's 2-0 win over Birmingham City was the 20-year-old's second start in as many matches, and she produced yet another assured performance. Her calmness and ability to work in tight spaces allow her to escape pressure, while the timing of her runs into the box is a huge asset — she opened the scoring at Stamford Bridge by being alert to the second ball in the area. Her burgeoning relationship with Keira Walsh has also been notable.

"They understand each other, and even when they are on the pitch and they close their eyes, they know where each other is," the Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor told Chelsea media.

Like Goodwin, Potter may well have done enough to catch Wiegman's eye ahead of the crucial October fixtures.