Man City defender could be answer to England's problems after France defeat

It was in the dying stages of last summer's Women's World Cup final that Alex Greenwood got what some onlookers termed her "Terry Butcher moment".

The Lionesses centre-back had sustained what looked to be a nasty cut to her eye after taking a knee in the face from Spanish forward Salma Paralluelo but, after being bandaged up by the medical team, Greenwood got back to her feet and soldiered on. Her heroics were reminiscent of Butcher's valiant exploits in England's 1989 World Cup qualifier with Sweden, when the former Rangers defender famously played with blood pouring from his head to help clinch the Three Lions' place at the Italia '90 tournament finals.

While Greenwood's bravery wasn't enough to get Sarina Wiegman's side over the line against Spain, the incident epitomised the Manchester City star's brilliance at the heart of the England defence. With captain Leah Williamson sidelined with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and fellow centre-back Millie Bright still working her way back to full fitness, it was Greenwood whose scintillating form had helped propel England all the way to the final.

READ MORE: 'Only a matter of time' - Lauren Hemp makes Man City trophy promise after title race heartbreak

READ MORE: Man United star Ella Toone makes bold England claim after France defeat puts dent in Euros dream

Nobody at the tournament made more interceptions, completed more passes or had more touches than the 30-year-old, who had, in the eyes of many, done more than enough to cement her place in the Lionesses' starting lineup for the foreseeable. Fast forward to Friday night, though, and Greenwood was watching from the bench as England suffered a damaging defeat to France at St James' Park.

The result