USA Women v England Women preview: Phil Neville closes on first silverware at SheBelieves Cup
Wednesday 7 March 2018 23:52, UK
England Women take on the USA in Orlando on Wednesday, with manager Phil Neville hoping to lift silverware less than two months into the job.
The Lionesses have beaten France and drawn with Germany at the SheBelieves Cup and will win the trophy for the first time if they avoid defeat against the hosts at Orlando City Stadium (kick-off 7pm local time, 12am GMT).
Jill Ellis's world champions should represent the toughest test so far but England, by virtue of their better goal difference, are in the driving seat to triumph in the annual friendly tournament and Neville insists his side are up for the challenge.
"I don't think our players are scared of playing against the USA," Neville told Sky Sports News ahead of the game.
"They're the benchmark - they have fast, attacking players so it's a challenge but it's one I want us to attack."
Ellen White will hope to keep her place in the starting line-up after scoring both of England's goals against Germany and, speaking to reporters after the 2-2 draw, echoed the determined tone struck by her boss.
"It's important we prove we can win against the host nation in a high-pressure game," White said. "We've got to be able to thrive in these pressure situations and we've got to thrive when there is a big crowd.
"This tournament replicates a major tournament for us and it's the best we have done in it. We can't wait to play the USA. We have really grown over the last four or five years and with Phil (Neville) in charge, we don't only want to just compete against the best teams in the world, we want to be beating them."
Neville rang the changes from the 4-1 win over France but goalkeeper Karen Bardsley and forward Nikita Parris should come back into contention to start.
The USA, who have beaten Germany 1-0 and drawn 1-1 with France, are set to recall former world player of the year Carli Lloyd, who spent time on loan at Manchester City last season and is just two goals away from a career century.
