Jordan Nobbs believes the depth in England’s squad has hardly been stronger as Phil Neville’s side get set to launch head-first into World Cup preparations.
The Lionesses defeated Wales in August to reach next summer’s tournament in France, looking to better the third-place finish they secured three years ago.
And with a squad continually nipping at each other's heels for places in the starting eleven, Nobbs reckons they are a team to be reckoned with on the grandest stage of all.
Neville must now decide on his best team, and October’s friendly against Brazil at Meadow Lane is the first step on that journey in the eyes of Nobbs.
“It’s a chance for everyone to show what they can do,” said the 25-year-old. “It’s a team sport, so you want everyone to do well, but individually you want to impress as well.
“It's probably the most depth we've had since I’ve been involved. When I came in as one of the young ones there was probably only me, Lucy Bronze and Toni Duggan, whereas now there are more than three younger players coming up; there are eight, nine, ten or 11 players coming through and fighting for places.
“There is definitely more growth in the game and Phil is giving players an opportunity to show what they can do.
“We don’t know what Phil is going to decide nearer the World Cup and what squad he’ll go with. It’s always exciting as a player and I like that pressure – I want to perform and get picked, so I think it’s crucial we’re playing well for our club and playing well in these friendlies.
“Right now, eight months before the World Cup, is not the be-all and end-all but we want to be performing and as players we have a lot of competition, so it’s time to show Phil what we can do.”
Nobbs first entered the senior set up in 2013, has already racked up 53 caps, and is set to play a key role in France next year.
However, the Arsenal midfielder knows she will have to fight for a place in the squad and she realises just how important each and every game is between now and next June.
That includes the clash with Brazil, a match which Nobbs knows will be a test of England’s credentials against one of the world’s best teams.
She said: “That’s the reason we’re in this game and want to be in World Cup finals because we want to compete against the best and beat them.
“We want to be improving and these games aren’t ones we want to lose, so it’s still crucial that we perform, play well and get our confidence up leading into the World Cup.”
