Eniola ready as ever

Eniola Aluko feels that her experiences in the Women's Professional Soccer league in America will stand her in good stead going into Euro 2009 with England.

Aluko played in the inaugural season of the WPS with St Louis Athletica, who narrowly missed out on the season finale on Wednesday evening, and she believes that the experience has made her a better player.

When asked what influence her domestic season can have on this tournament with England, Aluko responded: "I hope it will have a big impact. I already feel a lot stronger, a lot sharper in terms of game fitness.

"Because of the warm weather conditions I've played in during the season I feel I'm ready for any warm climate we play in out here in the summer.

"I hope I can bring something to the team as I normally would, and I'm sure all the girls who have played in America feel positive coming into this tournament."

Four years ago Aluko was in the middle of completing her A-Levels while competing at Euro 2005, hosted in England. Competing in her third major tournament at just 22, Aluko can relate to the likes of Jess Clarke and Dan Buet who are at the start of their England careers.

"They must be confident and delighted to be here," Aluko explained. "I know how I felt when I was younger and I got into the team, I knew it was very scary but at the same time it was a boost for my confidence because I knew that Hope Powell believed in my ability and I was with the best players in the country.

"I'm sure Jess and Dan are happy to be part of this and they will glean a lot from the other players and the tournament experience."

After months and years of hard work, Aluko is delighted that the tournament is finally here and admits that a strong start is crucial.

Aluko said: "We're here now. It's been 12 months of working in preparation for this.

"We've all worked really hard. The spirit has been good. It's always nice when you get the squad together and you're working towards a common goal.

"I think we've all matured individually and as a team, and I think the expectations have changed. That's something we've talked about as a team, and it has changed from 2005 when our aim realistically was to get out of the group - which we didn't do.

"We've grown as a force and as a team, and after playing in the US I know that a lot of players look out for England and believe that we can do well.

"I think it's pivotal to get off to a good start. We're in a group with three very good teams and if you can get off to a good start then it is always in your hands. You don't really want to be relying on other results to get out of the group; you want to win all your games, and I don't think there's anything else in our minds than that.

"The game against Italy will be the biggest game, then the game against Russia will be the biggest, and then Sweden. So we're taking it each game as it comes."