LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 06: Georgia Stanway of England celebrates scoring a penalty in the shootout during the Women´s Finalissima 2023 match between England and Brazil at Wembley Stadium on April 06, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

FIFA Women's World Cup 70 Day Countdown: Day 19 - Georgia Stanway In Focus

Feel the thrill of anticipation as we surge into the third week of our '70-Day Edge of the Crowd' countdown leading up to the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. Over the next seven days, we're about to crank up the heat and focus our unapologetic enthusiasm on seven extraordinary players. These chosen ones, imbued with phenomenal skill and sheer tenacity, are ready to take centre stage and ignite the tournament with their astounding performances.

In the high-stakes world of professional football, where talent abounds, it takes an exceptional player to rise above the rest. One such player, who has taken the women’s football world by storm, is Georgia Marie Stanway. As the world eagerly anticipates the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, this Barrow-in-Furness native has consistently been at the forefront of every conversation.

Born on January 3, 1999, Stanway is a shining testament to the sheer power of determination, natural talent, and hard work. Her football journey, which began at an impressively young age, has been nothing short of spectacular. Encouraged by her three older brothers, the three-year-old Stanway played with an Under 7s team, a move that initiated her lifelong romance with the beautiful game.

Stanway’s natural talent for football was evident from an early age. While playing for Blackburn Rovers’ Under 17s team during the 2014-15 season, she scored an extraordinary 31 goals in just 14 matches. Her incredible goal-scoring ability included three hat-tricks, a super hat-trick, a five-goal match, and a double hat-trick. Stanway’s transition into senior football was equally impressive, with her scoring seven goals in her first six matches.

Her meteoric rise caught the attention of Manchester City, who signed her in 2015. Stanway’s debut for the senior team was nothing short of brilliant, contributing to a 5-0 victory over Durham in the Continental Cup. Her remarkable talent was quickly recognised with accolades such as the club’s Rising Star award in her first season. Her sterling performances also earned her the coveted PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year award in the 2017-18 season. Stanway further proved her mettle in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, where she was included in the Team of the Season.

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The 2021-22 season marked a watershed moment in Stanway’s career when she became Manchester City’s highest-scoring women's player after an 8-0 victory against Nottingham Forest in the Women’s FA Cup. The following year, she extended her global footprint by joining Bayern Munich in the Frauen-Bundesliga, where her formidable skills continue to captivate fans and critics alike.

Though, Stanway’s talents aren’t just confined to the football pitch. She has showcased her interest and skill in video game development, launching her very own mobile game on the Google Play store.

Internationally, Stanway’s impact has been equally significant. Her debut with England’s national team, also known as the Three Lionesses, saw her scoring in a 3–0 victory against Austria on November 8, 2018. She backed up this strong start with a second international goal in a 2–1 defeat against Norway in September 2019. Her contributions earned her a spot as one of the five strikers for the Great Britain's women’s Olympic football team for the 2020 Olympics.

Stanway’s journey with the Three Lionesses had its share of challenges. When Sarina Wiegman took over as head coach, Stanway initially struggled for playing time due to being played out of position at Manchester City. However, her tenacity shone through, and by the Arnold Clark Cup in February 2022, Stanway had regained her form in her preferred position and earned a place in the starting lineup. This turnaround highlighted her adaptability and commitment to her team.

Stanway’s story took a triumphant turn in June 2022. She was included in the England squad that won the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022. Stanway’s stunning performance in the tournament included a game-winning goal in England’s 2–1 victory over Spain in the quarter-finals. Her unforgettable “22-yard rocket of a shot” will be etched into the annals of English football history. She played a key role in the final win over Germany, marking a high point in Stanway’s career with the Three Lionesses.

As we approach the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Georgia Stanway’s star continues to rise. From a toddler kicking a ball around with her brothers to gracing the pitches of the Frauen-Bundesliga and representing her country at the highest level, her journey serves as a shining example for aspiring footballers everywhere. With her blend of aspiration, tenacity, and raw talent, we can expect to see more breathtaking performances from this English footballing phenomenon.

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