England’s comeback to earn a draw against the Netherlands bodes well for the World Cup, said Three Lions goalscorer Eniola Aluko.
Mark Sampson’s side came from 1-0 down to earn a point against the Dutch in their final Cyprus Cup group match.
Anna Miedema’s tap-in put the Netherlands ahead on 18 minutes before Aluko produced a wonderful run and finish to restore parity.
England Women 1-1 Netherlands
The Cyprus Cup
Group B
Monday 9 March
Nicosia, Cyprus
It was the first time in Sampson’s reign that England had gained a draw from a losing position.
And Aluko believes that is a positive sign ahead of Canada 2015.
She said: "I think we showed a lot of character. To keep the result and push for [a win] at the end, we have showed a different side to ourselves.
"We showed resilience and that’s what we are going to need in a World Cup. If you look at how we finished in this group, the equivalent would be seven points.
"Going into a World Cup that’s a good place to be in – unbeaten coming out of the group.
"We need to show that side to ourselves because it’s not always going to be rosy. There are going to be times when we do go [behind] in a game and have to show that resilience and character to hang in there.
"It’s good to come out with a positive result. I’m sure Holland would say we pushed them to the very end."
Aluko’s equaliser was reminiscent of a goal she scored against Finland at Euro 2009.
Against the Netherlands, the 28-year-old received the ball on the right wing and drove forward, across the pitch, beating four defenders before lifting the ball over goalkeeper Loes Geurts.
She added: "I enjoyed that one. I suppose that’s one of my strengths, dribbling with the ball, and I can bring that to the team and score then excellent.
"I’m pleased with every goal I score for England, whether it comes off my backside or it’s a tap-in.
"Most importantly, it was an important goal for the team. We’d been under the cosh for 15 minutes before that."
England had already qualified for Wednesday’s final, their third in a row, following deserved victories over Finland and Australia.
They will now take on World Cup hosts Canada in a repeat of the 2009 and 2013 showpiece.
Aluko said: "At this point in our journey, three months before a World Cup, every game is going to be a test.
"Canada are a strong team [and they] will be looking to build momentum, being the home nation at the World Cup.
"They will be well scouted by the coaching staff and we’ll be ready.
"Hopefully we will go home with the Cyprus Cup."
