Phil Neville realises the importance of competing at the prestigious SheBelieves Cup with the FIFA Women’s World Cup less than four months away.
England have flown to USA to take part in the round-robin tournament for the fourth successive year.
The Lionesses open up against Brazil, who they defeated 1-0 at Meadow Lane last October, on Wednesday 27 February (9pm GMT) before facing the host nation on Saturday 2 March (9.55pm).
They finish up with a match against World Cup opponents Japan on Tuesday 5 March (10pm).
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Head coach Neville said: “There are four great teams, playing in great stadiums, with great crowds.
“All four nations are among the top 10 in the FIFA rankings so we know we’ll be tested and need to be at our best in all three matches.
“The tournament is a vital stage in our preparations ahead of the World Cup for our staff and players.”
England were drawn in Group D for France 2019 alongside Scotland, Argentina and Japan, three nations they have faced in the group stages of recent previous tournaments.
Neville has lined up four testing home matches in the build-up to the World Cup, but his year of competitive action begins across the pond, just as his tenure did 12 months ago.
He said: “The SheBelieves Cup is a fantastic tournament and I’ll never forget my first game in charge against France.
“The players share my enthusiasm for the tournament, that’s why we continue to take part.”
Neville named his 23-player SheBelieves Cup squad last week but he was forced into one change at the weekend with Chioma Ubogagu replacing Jill Scott.
Neville added: “It’s important to note the door is not shut [on] any player with ambitions of making the World Cup squad.”
Updated squad:
Goalkeepers: Karen Bardsley (Manchester City), Mary Earps (Wolfsburg), Carly Telford (Chelsea)
Defenders: Gemma Bonner (Manchester City), Lucy Bronze (Lyon), Rachel Daly (Houston Dash), Alex Greenwood (Manchester United), Steph Houghton (Manchester City), Abbie McManus (Manchester City), Demi Stokes (Manchester City), Leah Williamson (Arsenal)
Midfielders: Karen Carney (Chelsea), Isobel Christiansen (Lyon), Fran Kirby (Chelsea), Lucy Staniforth (Birmingham City), Georgia Stanway (Manchester City), Keira Walsh (Manchester City)
Forwards: Toni Duggan (Barcelona), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Nikita Parris (Manchester City), Jodie Taylor (Seattle Reign), Chioma Ubogagu* (Orlando Pride), Ellen White (Birmingham City).
*replaced Jill Scott (Manchester City)
