England Women have entered 2017 with the spotlight on them like never before – and Jodie Taylor has told her Lionesses team-mates to embrace their status as one of the best teams in the world.
Mark Sampson’s side, who finished third at the 2015 World Cup, qualified unbeaten for this summer’s European Championship finals and they recently climbed to an all-time high of fourth in the FIFA rankings.
They have travelled to a snow-hit La Manga for a testing double-header against Norway (Sunday 22 January) and Olympic silver medallists Sweden (Tuesday 24 January) ahead of the SheBelieves Cup campaign in early March.
And Taylor believes England can justifiably accept their invite to the top table of women’s football.
She said: “We weren’t the favourites going into the World Cup and yet we proved what we were capable of. We know – and we proved – how good we can be.
“But having beaten Germany and had some close games with the top teams in the world, that has helped us build confidence.
“And if we can do well in the SheBelieves Cup hopefully we can carry that momentum into the Euros.”
She continued: “We’ve got a really talented group and a really strong group mentally.
“We can handle the pressure. We just need to stay together as a team and stay strong.
“Anything is possible.”
Taylor is relishing the upcoming matches against the Scandinavian powerhouses – traditionally two of the strongest nations in the women’s game.
The 30-year-old helped England defeat Norway at the last-16 stage of the World Cup and she also played her part, as a debutant, when the Lionesses romped to a 4-0 win over Sweden the last time the two sides met.
She said: “They are two top-quality teams so it will be a really good test for us so early in what will be a big year.
“We played Norway in Canada and that was a really tough game. They really put it up to us so we won’t be taking them lightly.
“And Sweden showed how good they are by winning a silver medal at the Olympics so that says it all really.
“They are two top teams.”
Taylor added: “Getting my first cap was a hugely proud moment.
“It’s a game that I’ll always hold close to my heart so every time we play against Sweden it will always be a nice reminder of my debut.”
Having been out injured since March last year, Taylor made a successful return to the England fold in November, coming off the bench to score the winner against Netherlands last time out.
And after being forced to miss eight months of action she said she is trying to remain pragmatic when it comes to her inclusion in the England squad for the Euros.
She explained: “It was great to get back with the team after what was a tough year for me.
“It was important to get on that trip, not just because of the game but to get back in with the team again.
“I didn’t expect to be in the squad but it felt brilliant to be back with everybody. And to actually get on in the game and have an impact was even better and a nice way to end 2016.”
Taylor added: “Because I was out for so long last year I can’t take anything for granted.
“Of course the focus is the Euros, there’s no denying that. That’s the motivation every single day.
“But at the same time I’ve got to take it one day and one week at a time.
“I need to be smart and build myself back up again sensibly.”
