Powell pleased with three points
Friday, 23 September, 2011
Head Coach gives her thoughts on win over Slovenia.
By Glenn Lavery
Hope Powell expressed satisfaction with her side's 4-0 Euro 2013 qualifying victory over Slovenia on Thursday night, and says England should have won by an even greater margin such was their dominance.
Two goals in each half, the first coming from Player of the Match Rachel Yankey inside the first minute, wrapped up England's maiden win of the campaign, following Saturday's 2-2 draw with Serbia.
The Three Lions controlled proceedings throughout and created a host of opportunities but they found Slovenian 'keeper Lucija Mori in terrific form.
"The main thing was that we got the three points, certainly after the Serbia game," said Powell.
"It was nice to have scored more goals (against Slovenia than they did against Serbia). I still think we could have scored a lot more, we had opportunities, we just need to be a bit more clinical. I'd be worried if we weren't creating the chances, though. The positive thing is that we got three points and also kept a clean sheet.
"Slovenia battled well and worked hard but we kept going. They put their bodies in the way and really tried to keep us out. It got a bit sloppy at times and we discussed that at half-time. We started the second half with the same sort of energy and we pushed on a scored a couple more goals."
Powell was full of praise for the way her players reacted to Saturday's draw, having conceded the equaliser in the fourth minute of added time. The National Coach made five changes to the side from the weekend which satisfied her desire to give game time to a large number of her squad. She also gave special mention to Rachel Williams, who scored the fourth goal, her first-ever Senior strike.
"We worked really hard after the Serbia game and the players were keen to show that they were better than to draw with Serbia, and that's no disrespect to Serbia.
"I'm pleased with the attitude of all the players over this past week and it was nice for Rachel (to score).
"She came on against Serbia and I wanted to give her another go. That experience will have done her some good and hopefully she will grow in confidence. I said to her 'go and be a hero' and she enjoyed the moment. Hopefully if she works hard at her game she will be one for the future. But it's not just about her, there are other players pushing to get into this squad."
Next up for England is a trip to Holland in late October and the Dutch should provide the sternest test in Group Six.
"We have to be positive," said Powell, looking ahead. "There is still work to do. The next (qualifier is) the big one. We have to make sure we're ready for Holland.
"We know that, probably, the Dutch were going to be our biggest challenge. They have improved. They've got a new philosophy and a new coach and he seems to have given them a boost. We're going to go there and give it our best."