Mo Marley remains optimistic following her side’s 1-1 draw with Brazil in the U20 Women’s World Cup in France.
The Young Lionesses thought they had done enough to secure victory in their second group game, following Georgia Stanway’s emphatic first-half penalty.
But Ariadina Borges struck for Brazil in second-half stoppage time to deny England what would have been a hard-earned three points.
Despite the late setback, Marley was positive as England continued their unbeaten run in the competition following Sunday’s 3-1 victory over reigning U20 world champions DPR Korea.
“We all knew that it was going to be a difficult game,” said the head coach.
“Two games in such a short period of time is always going to be difficult at this age group. Four points in a World Cup, and after the second game still to be unbeaten, is a brilliant achievement.”
Marley was also keen to reiterate that despite conceding late on, the draw was a fair result and the situation will be beneficial for her squad mentally in the long run.
“I think a draw was a fair reflection,” she added. “We created a good few opportunities, and I think it’s fair to say that Brazil had more chances and more possession but that’s what was part of the game plan.
“It’s important that our girls get as much exposure to different environments, different opposition, and different situations in the game. We are trying to educate them and prepare them to make good decisions, when things are for you and when things are against you.”
Marley was especially pleased with the maturity, and the understanding shown by her side as they carried out a game plan which nullified Brazil’s dangerous attacking threat.
“The way Brazil play they have so many attack-minded, flair players in the midfield area, and the idea was to reduce them the spaces,” she explained.
“They gave everything they could, within the circumstances. There wasn’t much change across both games, so putting in a shift back to back in the [hot] conditions, I’m happy with what they’ve done.
“The girls have been exposed to so many situations over the last two games. Hopefully the players will learn from that and will be better prepared come the third game, from their own experiences and what they’ve gone through themselves, rather than us coaches just guiding them and telling them that.”
England head into their final group game with four points and face Mexico on Sunday in Saint-Malo, knowing that a win will take them through to next week’s knockout stages.
