SYDNEY – Mary Earps is adamant England do not fear anyone as their billing as one of the favourites boomed on the eve of the World Cup’s knockout stages.
The Lionesses sailed into the round of 16 with a 6-1 win over China, inspired by a Lauren James brace. Yet other established nations have come up short, with Brazil, Italy, Euro 2022 finalists Germany and Olympic champions Canada all out.
“I don’t think we fear anyone in general anyway,” Earps said.
“I think our qualities have shown through in however many months and years we’ve been playing together, so I think we’re in a good spot.
“It’s not going to always go that way, but as long as we’re keeping the wins on the board, then no complaints here,” she said after the second biggest victory of the tournament so far against China.
Topping the group has meant England will welcome a more favourable run-in – on paper, at least – with Nigeria in the last-16, and the winner of Colombia against Jamaica should they make it to the quarter-finals.
They would then play one of Morocco, France, Denmark or Australia if they progress to the last four. Holders USA, meanwhile, will face Sweden next, Japan, having failed to top their group due to draws with the Netherlands and Portugal. Spain have got off relatively lightly after suffering a shock 4-0 defeat to Japan and finishing runners-up in Group C, Jorge Vilda’s side pitted against Switzerland.
Of those considered contenders before the tournament kicked off, England are the one team who have ostensibly grown into the World Cup and gained momentum at just the right time. Neither of the 1-0 victories over Haiti or Denmark were overly convincing, but Sarina Wiegman has been handed a boost as Keira Walsh returned to individual training as part of her rehabilitation in Terrigal.
“The proof is in the pudding,” Earps added.
“The proof is what happens come game day, and the most important thing is that we’ve won three out of three. I know that maybe the results haven’t been as maybe people would have wanted, but we’re playing at a World Cup at the end of the day.
“This is the creme de la creme, this is the top, so I think that we know what we’re capable of. We’re just focused on one game at a time and getting the job done.”
England travel to Brisbane on Sunday before facing Nigeria at the Suncorp Stadium on Monday. The stopper insists there will be “no foot coming off the gas”, not least because the Super Falcons have already engineered one of the biggest upsets so far beating co-hosts Australia 3-2.
Earps, named Fifa’s Goalkeeper of the Year in February, will be central to England’s chances again. She has conceded just one goal throughout the groups and made key saves against both Haiti and China. That will surprise few, though the overall calibre of goalkeeping at the tournament has been a marked improvement on previous editions.
“I feel good, I just want to do my job behind the scenes,” Earps continued.
“And again, the standard is so high at this tournament. Games can change at the drop of a dime.”
from Football - inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/NrYQ719
Post a Comment