England forward Fran Kirby looking forward to SheBelieves Cup

England forward Fran Kirby expects fans to turn out in their numbers for the inaugural SheBelieves Cup which kicks off on Friday.

The Lionesses play host nation USA in Tampa on Friday evening before coming up against European champions Germany in Nashville on March 7, followed by a meeting with France in Boca Raton two days later.

It is the first tournament for Mark Sampson's side since their epic 2015 Women's World Cup campaign, which saw them finish third and become the most successful senior England football team to travel overseas.

And Chelsea Ladies striker Kirby, who scored against Mexico at last year's World Cup, cannot wait for the action to get started in Florida.

"I think the crowds are going to be huge out there coming off the back of the success of the Women's World Cup, with of course, USA winning it," Kirby told Sky Sports News HQ.

"They are predicting 20,000 at each game and obviously we have USA first, so it's going to be a really good experience for all of us to be out there and get involved in."

The Lionesses have played in the annual Cyprus Cup tournament for the last seven years, but Kirby thinks their invitation to participate in the SheBelieves Cup is a sign of the growing strength of English women's football.

"I think it's the first time England have been considered to go to a tournament this big," she said.

"There are three great teams as well as us there. It will be great for women's football in England and great for all of us that are going."