Alex Scott says USA 'pain' will kick-start England for World Cup
Thursday 8 March 2018 16:27, UK
Alex Scott believes England’s 1-0 loss to the USA in the SheBelieves Cup is the “kick-start” they need for next year’s World Cup.
Phil Neville's side needed a point in the deciding game of the tournament to claim victory, but were unable to recover after a 58th-minute own goal from Karen Bardsley.
Scott, who received 140 caps for England, is optimistic about the Lionesses' chances at the World Cup with the wealth of talent at Neville's disposal.
When asked about the squad's progress under Neville, Scott told Sky Sports Daily: "I think it has been a big learning curve this tournament. Carly Lloyd lifting that trophy, that hurts me.
"That hurt and that pain will stay with those players, and that's the kick-start they need for the World Cup next year."
"It's our best chance of any [to win the World Cup], when I look at the strength and depth through the young players that Phil had to bring in for this tournament.
"We had injuries as well, the likes of the captain Steph Houghton was out, and [Phil Neville] bloodied through a lot of the youngsters and gave them that experience and they performed.
"That's a great option for a manager to know that he doesn't just have to rely on the 11 players, a whole array of players. I do believe that we can go on to medal."
USA currently stand at world No 1 and England follow behind Germany in third place, but Scott believes England could claim the leading position.
"We're not far [behind] at all, especially going off this tournament. But it is this shift in mentality when you come up against the best, you have to produce."
England play Wales in their World Cup qualifier on Friday April 6 at St Mary's and Scott is optimistic that they can be victorious.
"Where England are ranked they will go into that game knowing that they're favourites, but it's producing consistently against those teams and the best in the world," added Scott.
