Mark Sampson believes England’s meeting with Germany is a chance for his team to prove they belong among the world’s elite.
The Lionesses will take on the European champions in Duisburg on Thursday, less than five months after they defeated Silvia Neid's side in Canada to win bronze at this summer’s World Cup.
And Sampson believes they will be keen on revenge when they arrive at a "packed" Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena.
Germany v England
A Women's International
5pm GMT, Thursday 26 November
Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena, Duisburg
Live on BBC Red Button
“We want to push ourselves and break into that top tier of world football," he said.
“To do that, we have got to go to Germany, put in a big shift and try to get a result.
“We have got to give it a good go against one of the best teams in the world in front of what will probably be a packed out stadium.”
England moved up to an all-time high of fifth in the world rankings after their heroics in Canada.
Germany slipped to second, behind World Cup winners USA, but they have enjoyed unparalleled success in the women’s game, including two World Cups and eight European Championships.
Sampson added: “They will be dead set on revenge after what happened in the World Cup. It will be a tough ask for this team but we are excited by it.
“The players will maintain their fitness levels and make sure they stay sharp because they will all want to be involved in these type of games.”
The Germany match takes place three days before a Euro 2017 qualifier against Bosnia in Bristol – England’s first home match since Canada 2015.
England v Bosnia & Herzegovina
UEFA Women’s Euro 2017
Group 7 qualifier
3.30pm GMT, Sunday 29 November
Ashton Gate, Bristol City FC
Tickets priced £5 adults, £2.50 children
“After the Germany game we’ve then got our homecoming in Bristol," continued Sampson.
“I’m sure that will be a wonderful occasion at Ashton Gate against a strong Bosnian team.
“We will be ready for both matches. We are excited by the challenge.”
England began their Euro Qualifiers with a resounding 8-0 win in Estonia, with debutant Danielle Carter bagging a hat-trick.
Tickets for the Bosnia game are priced £5 for adults and £2.50 for children. A family ticket (two adults and two children) is available at £10 and group booking discounts apply.
Tickets can be purchased via TheFA.com/Tickets or by calling 01179 630 600.
