Women’s World Cup 2023: Group E players to watch

The main talking point in Group E of the 2023 Women's World Cup is the meeting of the 2019 finalists when the USA take on the Netherlands.

Both teams will be gunning to finish on top of the group and the Dutch will be itching for some revenge for that 2-0 defeat in Lyon.

Completing the group are Portugal and Vietnam. Both nations are making their tournament debuts and will be relishing potential upsets against the gold and silver medalists of four years ago.

Here are 90min's Group E players to watch.

1. Crystal Dunn - USA

Crystal Dunn is a true jack-of-all-trades on the football field.

At 30 years old with a decade of experience representing the USWNT, there's still debate over her best position as she genuinely excels wherever she plays. For the US, she has been deployed in every single position on the pitch bar goalkeeper.

However, when the entire squad is fit and ready to go, Dunn often takes up the role of a full-back. Her ball skills are simply masterful and whether it's defending, attacking, or even scoring goals, Dunn can do it all.

Dunn is also lightning-quick which allows her to recover swiftly in the rare occasions her opponents get by her.

Over the years, Dunn has never gotten the plaudits her teammates have, but she is arguably the most important player for the United States and will be crucial to their title defence.

2. Rose Lavelle - USA

Rose Lavelle is going to have a tough time bettering her performance four years ago in France at the last World Cup.

But if anyone can do it, it's her.

Currently in the process of recovering from a knee injury, the 28-year-old is expected to be fit and ready this summer.

In 2019, Lavelle started six matches and was honoured with the tournament's Bronze Ball award after netting three goals. Her shining moment came in the final against the Netherlands when she scored the team's second goal to secure the World Cup trophy.

Lavelle's presence on the field is a game-changer for the USWNT's attack. With her unrivalled offensive creativity, she brings exceptional ball control and fearlessly takes on defenders one-on-one to create space.

The USWNT are the team to beat with Lavelle on their side.

3. Jill Roord - Netherlands

The Netherlands' World Cup will strongly depend on the form and contributions of Jill Roord.

A strong technical midfielder, Roord loves to have the ball at her feet and make things happen. Whether it's setting up plays or finding the back of the net herself, Roord brings a lot to the table.

Roord's adaptability will also be key, as she is equally comfortable playing on the wing or in a central attacking role in addition to her regular midfield duties.

Although the Dutch team finished as runners-up in 2019, they are not considered favourites to win in Australia & New Zealand. Since the departure of Sarina Wiegman, they have experienced a slump in form.

The team's performance at the Euro 2022 was lacklustre with an eventual quarter-final elimination at the hands of France.

But with Roord at her best, they can bounce back. At 26 years old, she has already scored 21 goals in 86 appearances for her country. Her performances will be crucial as the Dutch look to leave behind their recent setbacks.

4. Jessica Silva - Portugal

Jessica Silva will likely go viral at the World Cup.

Again.

The forward, who has played for the likes of Kansas City Current and Lyon, has constantly had her nutmegs, touches and flicks clipped up and shared all across social media.

But she's far from a one-trick pony. The forward, who loves to show off her tekkers, is deadly in front of goal. Now playing for Benfica, she has a remarkable record of 17 goals in 17 league appearances.

Having just reached her 100th national cap, Silva has established herself as a leader and her eye for goal will be crucial if Portugal want to advance to the knockouts in their first ever World Cup.

5. Tran Thi Thuy Trang - Vietnam

Vietnam are unlikely to cause much of an upset in Australia and New Zealand, but Tran Thi Thuy Trang will hope the team can hold their heads high after their matches.

Historically, Vietnam are the most successful team in Southeast Asia, but have often struggled during continental tournaments.

However, they secured their maiden qualification by defeating Chinese Taipei 2-1 in their playoff match last year in a historic achievement.

It was a momentous victory due to the team battling a COVID-19 outbreak that affected 20 out of the 23 players, showcasing incredible resilience to secure their spot.

Leading the charge for Vietnam is Trang, an agile midfielder who excels in both central and wide positions. With the 34-year-old as captain, Vietnam will rely on a solid defensive shape and speedy counter-attacks in an attempt to mount an upset or two in the groups.

READ EVERY GROUP GUIDE AHEAD OF THE 2023 WOMEN'S WORLD CUP