Speaking at Southend United FC’s Roots Hall as part of a 3 Lions FC Coaching Project with the Essex FA yesterday, the Arsenal defender claimed the team have made every preparation for the competition and fly East in the best possible shape.

“We’re all ecstatic to have made it to the World Cup for the first time in over a decade. We took part in the China Cup in the New Year so we’ve experienced the climate before and it’s a great place to play.”

Phillip also had words of praise for Manager Hope Powell, who leads her team out in Asia on the back of a qualifying campaign which contained no defeats and six wins from their eight fixtures.

“Hope is committed and determined and I’ve been fortunate to play in the same team as her. She pushes us to our limits and speaks in a steady voice which gets her message across.”

Mary was visiting Essex to coach a group of school children enjoying the first week of their long summer holidays in conjunction with The FA, the Essex County FA and the new Skills Coaches introduced to the County in a drive to involve more youngsters in the game.

Activities during the week-long event included time spent in the SUFC. Extra Time Study Support Centre researching Women’s football and football coaching at the nearby Priory Park.

Now set to start her fourth season with The Gunners, Mary aims to build on the ten Women’s Premier League Championship and FA Women’s Cup winners’ medals she’s collected but is quick to recall when she first got involved herself in football.

Speaking in a question and answer session with the two dozen children she said: “I always enjoyed kicking a ball about when I was young and, after a lot of hard work, I’ve managed to progress through to the England Team.

"My kids also play but I would never pressure them into sport; it’s important youngsters do what they enjoy and hopefully events like this will get more of them to go out and play.”

Training six times a week keeps Phillip prepared ahead of September’s crucial matches and, despite viewing no other team with trepidation, she’s aware of the strength of the nations also involved.

“I’m personally wary of Japan. They are a side capable of short, sharp passing and will be a test for anyone but, if we continue to work hard, we can go a long way in the competition.”