Midfielder Jordan Nobbs is willing to adapt her swashbuckling style for more of an anchor role – the one she effectively deployed against Carli Lloyd in Tampa.
The 23-year-old is renowned for making forward runs and having an impact higher up the pitch.
But she was asked to curb her attacking instincts in an attempt to foil the World Player of the Year in the Lionesses’ opening match of the SheBelieves Cup.
USA 1-0 England
The SheBelieves Cup
Friday 4 March
Raymond James Stadium, Tampa
USA edged the match 1-0 courtesy of Crystal Dunn’s powerful 20-yard drive.
Nobbs said: “It was a different role for me but it was good for Mark [Sampson, England head coach] to put that on my shoulders and give me an opportunity to deal with world-class players like Lloyd.
“It was a different challenge but I really enjoyed it. There’s still stuff to learn but it was a good experience for me as a player.
“Whether I’m right-wing or centre-mid I want to be a part of this squad. I just need to make sure that I put in 110 per cent. If the anchor role is what Mark wants me to play then I’ll do that as best I can.”
Lloyd has been a key part of the USA squad for a number of years, helping them win Olympic gold medals and last year’s World Cup, where she scored a hat-trick against Japan in the final.
The Houston Dash midfielder has earned an incredible 218 caps, scoring 86 goals – including 23 in her last 20 games.
Ballon d'Or winners Carli Lloyd and Lionel Messi
But she was unable to make a major impact on proceedings at the Raymond James Stadium.
Nobbs added: “I had a lot of information in training about how she played.
“She’s a world-class player. She was hard to deal with and I had a lot of running to do but looking back I don’t think she caused us any trouble and I’m happy I played a part in that.”
England competed well against Jill Ellis’s side and only conceded after 72 minutes.
Toni Duggan had a presentable chance saved by Hope Solo and the Lionesses had a penalty claim dismissed in the first half.
Nobbs said: “We’re disappointed with the result. I felt we put in a great shift and played really well.
“We just need to make sure that when we play the best teams in the world we don’t give them that one chance to get a shot off.”
England will take on Germany on Sunday – the third time they will have faced Silvia Neid’s side in the past seven months, with the Lionesses keeping clean sheets at both the World Cup and in the friendly in Duisburg in November.
England’s next home match will be their UEFA Women’s Euro 2017 qualifier against Belgium on Friday 8 April (7.55pm KO).
Tickets for the game, which will take place at Rotherham United’s AESSEAL New York Stadium, are on sale now 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 bought via TheFA.com/Tickets, by calling 08444 140 754 or in person at the Rotherham United ticket office.
