Best XI: Women’s World Cup Group Stage

Centre-back: Abby Dahlkemper (USA)

The United States are another side entering the knockout stages without conceding, and credit for this must be shared between the defensive trio of centre backs and goalkeeper.

Dahlkemper is a key member of this defensive triangle and has been strong, assured and calm in all three of her performances, staying tight to her strikers and eliminating any dangers as quickly as they arrive.

In and around her penalty area the North Carolina Courage defender has shown composure, willing to control crosses and play the ball out wide when her side are under pressure, turning defence into attack in a matter of moments.

The United States are in with a real shot of retaining the trophy if Dahlkemper and co are capable of dealing with better attacks in the later rounds.