Sue Smith says that anyone could make it into the squad for Euro 2009.
England v Iceland
International Friendly
7.45pm, Thursday 16 July 2009
Weston Homes Community Stadium, Colchester United FC
Tickets are £5 for adults and £2.50 for concessions, call 0845 437 9089 -
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England v Denmark
International Match
7.45pm, Wednesday 22 July 2009
The County Ground, Swindon Town FC
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As England prepare for their final two matches before the European Championship in Finland, Sue Smith says that performances in these games will be crucial for every player hoping to be named in Hope Powell's final squad.
30 players are part of the squad who face Iceland and Denmark later this month, and Smith insists that everyone will need to be on their mettle to prove their worth.
Smtih told TheFA.com: "The competition for places is better than it’s ever been. We’ve probably got two or three players that can play in each position.
"To be honest, nobody knows the squad that Hope is going to name. These next two friendly games could be crucial. You’re constantly being tested and every player wants to show that they are worthy of their place in Finland. The competition for places has made everybody step their game up a bit more."
Smith also feels that the mentality has changed from the last European Chamionship, held in England four years ago.
"Quite a few things have changed actually," Smith explained. "I think we’re fitter now than we were in 2005. We’ve always been technically good, but most of us are now in peak condition. Also, psychologically we firmly believe that we are a good team.
"After beating Norway and Canada recently, we’ve got that winning mentality and we know that we can compete against the best in the world. We now go into every game really believing we can win and I don’t think that’s really happened before."