12 Sep 2007
VIDEO: Katie Chapman interview

Despite being disappointed to only draw with Japan, Katie Chapman says the atmosphere in the camp could not be better.

England v Germany
World Cup 2007, Group A
1pm (BST), Friday 14 September 2007
Hongkou Stadium, Shanghai
Watch it live on BBC Two

Katie Chapman says that the atmosphere inside the England camp could not be better as they look ahead to their meeting with World Champions Germany on Friday.

Having felt disappointed not to take all three points from their opener with Japan, England will be looking to take something from their meeting with Silvia Neid's side in Shanghai.

Chapman told TheFA.com :"The atmosphere within the group is really, really confident.

"We're really looking forward to the Germany game and I think now we actually believe we can compete and maybe even beat them, so it's really positive.

"They are a tough side and they are clinical - but we have improved over the last few years. We are as good as we have ever been, the fittest we have ever been, the most physical we have ever been and we're mentally strong. So we're going into that game really positively."

Playing in her first World Cup, Chapman fulfilled a lifetime ambition and it is a feeling she only wants more of.

"It was a fantastic feeling," Chapman explained. "Going out there and seeing the crowd was unreal.

"It's a dream come true playing in a World Cup so for me it could not have been any better. It was a fantastic crowd, and you could really hear them. Everyone I know, our families all enjoyed the occasion and the atmosphere, it was just unfortunate that we drew."

With Germany in mind Chapman is confident that pretty much everyone in the squad, with the exception of Alex Scott, is in top condition as they go into their second match.

"Alex has hurt her back but I think she'll be fine, I think it's just muscular. But other than that we're all feeling good, our legs are not as heavy as we thought they would be, we feel fresh and ready for it.

"Being in Macau for two weeks played it's part, acclimatising so that our bodies have gotten used to the conditions, we're in good shape and we're ready to go."