03 June 2005    
Hope Powell Press Conference

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With England’s opening Women’s Euro 2005 match against Finland fast approaching, coach Hope Powell has urged her squad to ‘make every second count’.

Speaking to the gathered press in Blackburn, Hope said the players were in a relaxed frame of mind and enjoying the prospect of tournament football after such a long build-up.

"It’s for real now," she said. "I’m sure there will be a few nerves at the opening game, but up until now everything is very relaxed and that’s the mood we’ve tried to set.

"We want the players to enjoy the whole occasion and make every moment and every second count.

"We also want to leave a positive legacy, bringing more young players into the game.

"With this event the best players in the world will be on show and hopefully we can raise awareness."

With a ten match unbeaten streak under their belts, England couldn’t be in better form going into Sunday’s match against Finland, and Hope took time to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by her Three Lions along the way.

"The players have worked hard," she said. "So much effort, time, commitment and passion has been put into it.

"We have mums in the camp and have been away for long periods, we’ve got girls doing their A-Levels in-between the tournament, some are taking unpaid leave, some have given up work.

"It’s really tough. They make huge sacrifices and I just hope it all works out for them."

England kick-off their campaign against Finland at 7pm on Sunday 05 June at the City of Manchester Stadium.