Toni Duggan says there has never been a better time to face France after she helped set-up a Euro 2017 quarter final against Les Bleues.
The 26-year-old scored the opening goal in England’s 2-1 win over Portugal on Thursday night which sealed top spot in Group D.
The Lionesses now take on Olivier Echouafni’s side, who finished runners-up to debutants Austria in Group C, in the last eight on Sunday.
And although England haven’t beaten France in 19 attempts since 1974, Duggan believes history is there to be re-written.
She said: “We wanted to get to the latter stages and we've got France up next.
“We know that will be a tough test but one I believe we are ready for.
“France are one of the best teams in Europe and one of the best teams in the world – but so are we.
“We are on fire at the minute and feeling very confident, as you can see in our performances.
“We're ready for the game. If ever there was a time to play France it's now. I think they know they're in for a tough test.”
Duggan made her 50th England appearance against Portugal and marked the occasion with a goal after just seven minutes.
The Barcelona-bound striker closed down an Ana Borges back pass which goalkeeper Patricia Morais hit straight at Duggan, who calmly lifted the ball into the empty net.
Carolina Mendes equalised shortly after but Duggan’s former Everton and Manchester City team-mate Nikita Parris won the game for England early in the second half.
All five strikers in Mark Sampson’s squad have now scored at the Euros.
Duggan added: “I'm obviously delighted.
“A clean sheet would have been better but Portugal are a tough team and they threw everything at us to try and stay in the competition.
“But it's all credit to the girls, they dug in and got the result. And it just shows the strength in depth in our squad.
“The togetherness of the squad is really showing. Regardless of who plays up top they've got the support of the other girls.
“Everyone who has played so far in this tournament has done well and proved they should be at this tournament. Everyone is playing out of their skin.”
She continued: “It was a challenge, coming into this tournament as one of the favourites. It's not something we are used to, but we've embraced it.
“We've played well and got three wins from three, against tough opposition.”
Duggan also reserved a word of praise for Parris, after the 23-year-old scored her first goal at a major tournament.
She said: “I am so happy for her. The goal sums up her enthusiasm for the game.
“She skipped a few challenges, poked it home and was then off to her family and friends in the crowd.
“To see her do that on the big stage, I was made up for her.”
