Karen Carney speaks from experience when she says hosting Denmark in Walsall will be the perfect build-up for the rigours of a World Cup.
‘The Wizard’ felt major tournament heartbreak when England were felled by the Danes during the UEFA European Championship on home soil back in 2005.
Almost 15 years down the line, Carney is preparing to face the Scandinavian side once again as the Lionesses put the finishing touches to their World Cup preparations.
Phil Neville's charges will host the Euro 2017 runners-up at a sold-out* Banks’s Stadium in their penultimate warm-up match on the road to France.
And Carney feels Denmark will provide a tough run-out in the build-up to bigger tests.
“They are a really difficult side to play against because they are aggressive and attack-minded,” said the 31-year-old.
“They have always kept the same culture – it was the same back in 2005.
“We played them at Ewood Park, their winger Johanna Rasmussen was the star player and they were so quick on the counter.
“It was a good game and I think that a lot of their players have changed in the squad now. It is a great test for us to have in the build up to the World Cup because they are always there at the latter stages of these tournaments.
“But we’ve never been fearful of them.”
Carney also faced Denmark during the build-up to Euro 2017, her seventh major tournament, that time tasting a sweet 2-1 victory.
“We know all about Pernille Harder,” added Carney. “She is top player doing really good things in a strong midfield. They are a strong side from top to bottom.”
The Chelsea ace is third-most capped England player of all-time and is now a senior figure in a World Cup squad that features a host of bright young stars.
“I think sometimes with young players it’s just best to let them be and give them some breathing space,” she revealed.
“They need to enjoy the journey and embrace the moment. That’s what I did when I was young and I thought it was wicked.
“I have been to major tournaments and if the younger players in the squad need me I am here for them and they can always come and ask.
“I am still here and I am still enjoying it so long may that continue.”
Tickets are still available for the final World Cup warm-up match, against New Zealand at Brighton & Hove Albion’s Amex Stadium on Saturday 1 June.
Tickets are priced at just £10 for adults and £1 for concessions.
TICKETS: ENGLAND v NEW ZEALAND
The Lionesses, who won the prestigious SheBelieves Cup in March, have been drawn in Group D at France 2019 alongside Scotland, Argentina and 2011 winners Japan.
Their opening match is against Scotland in Nice on Sunday 9 June.
*some returned tickets may be made available for purchase nearer the match so keep your eye on the @Lionesses Twitter feed
