Jordan Nobbs believes England Women’s World Cup qualifier against Wales will be one of the most important matches she will ever play in.
Phil Neville’s side will go head-to-head with their home nations rivals on Friday night with the winners sealing automatic qualification to France 2019.
A draw would mean the Lionesses, who are second in qualifying Group 1, must defeat Kazakhstan on Tuesday 4 September to climb above Wales and clinch their place at next summer’s finals.
“This is probably one of the biggest games we will face in our careers,” said Nobbs.
“This is a different pressure than perhaps we are used to. We are used to people expecting us to win every game. This time we have to win. This result is so important because we want to qualify for the World Cup.
“But if we want to be the best then we have to adapt to that pressure.
“I actually find pressure exciting. I like the thought of having to win and having to perform at your best.
“Our main focus is Wales on Friday. Whatever we might need to do in Kazakhstan, we’ll think about that later.”
The 25-year-old played the full 90 minutes when Wales held England to a goalless draw at St. Mary’s in April.
That result kept Wales a point clear of England and in pole position to qualify for the World Cup.
The hosts dominated proceedings in Southampton but were unable to find a goal their play merited.
And Nobbs knows what her team-mates must do at a sold-out Rodney Parade if they are to turn one point into three.
She said: “It’s going to be tough, we all know that.
“The way they bank up; we know that can be hard to break down and it takes good players to do that.
“Respect to Wales for how they performed against us last time, but we need to make sure that we work hard, stay focused and put in a great performance on Friday.
“We probably didn’t move the ball as quickly as we would have liked last time so that’s something we can hopefully improve on. That should help open up some space for us.
“We need to stick to the plan and make sure we’re doing the right things. It’s going to be tough at times but we can’t rush things or panic.”
Injury ruled Nobbs out of the 3-1 victory over Russia in June, but she has been recalled and is raring to go.
She added: “Everyone is feeling refreshed.
“I think the break has done everyone good. We’ve had time to rest our bodies and get fully fit.
“You can just tell that we are all ready for a big year.”
