Tokyo Olympics: England and Manchester City goalkeeper Karen Bardsley withdraws from Team GB squad

England and Manchester City goalkeeper Karen Bardsley withdraws from Team GB squad for Tokyo 2020 after picking up a ‘devastatingly cruel’ hamstring injury while on loan with OL Reign

England goalkeeper Karen Barsley has been forced to withdraw from the Team GB women’s football squad through injury.

Bardsley, who represented Team GB at London 2012, was due to go to Tokyo for her second Olympic Games after being selected in Hege Riise’s 18-strong squad last month.

But the Manchester City shot-stopper dropped out of the squad on Saturday after sustaining a hamstring injury while on loan with American side OL Reign.

England goalkeeper Karen Barsley has been forced to withdraw from the Team GB women’s football squad through injury

‘After a difficult road back to fitness and form, being selected for Tokyo felt like the greatest achievement,’ said Bardsley said in a statement.

‘Then, to be forced to withdraw through injury so close to the Games feels devastatingly cruel. Regardless of the situation, I’ll do whatever I can to help my teammates and Team GB every step along the way. I wish nothing but success for everyone.’

The 36-year-old spent over a year on the sidelines after tearing her hamstring tendon during the 2019 World Cup and lost her starting place at City and England to youngster Ellie Roebuck.

The 36-year-old picked up a hamstring injury while on loan with American side OL Reign

The 36-year-old picked up a hamstring injury while on loan with American side OL Reign

Roebuck is set to be the No 1 ‘keeper at the Olympics and Riise will now call-up a replacement for Bardsley.

Everton’s Sandy MacIver is one of four reserve players and would be the obvious choice to step in. 

However, MacIver has just one international cap and Riise may be tempted to go for experience should the 21-year-old Roebuck suffer an injury in the tournament. 

Carly Telford, 33, is part of England’s June training camp alongside youngsters Emily Ramsey and Hannah Hampton with all three vying to step in to be reserve should MacIver get the call-up. 

Sandy MacIver is one of four reserve players and is expected to take Bardsley's place

Sandy MacIver is one of four reserve players and is expected to take Bardsley’s place

‘Losing Karen is a big blow for us – but more importantly for her,’ head coach Riise said.

‘She’s been an incredible international goalkeeper for many years and her presence in the squad would have also helped the younger players in the group.

‘Of course, this is football and this means an opportunity for someone else to take. The group are very positive about the challenge ahead and can’t wait to get started.’

Team GB will take on Zambia in a friendly at Stoke City’s Bet365 Stadium on July 1 before the Olympics, where they will face Chile in their first group game on July 21. They will then face hosts Japan on 24 July before taking on Canada on 27 July.