Alex Scott: USA’s antics and ‘spygate’ drama will inspire England’s Lionesses in World Cup semi-final
THE USA’S antics won’t bother the Lionesses.
Phil Neville’s team are relaxed and excited going into this semi- final, if anything it will fuel their motivation.
The USA used to be a superpower. Everybody would watch them and be blown away.
I think that gap is closing. Teams don’t play against the USA with that same scared mentality they used to.
We’re seeing teams rise to the challenge.
This is a dream tie for England. USA are the best team in the world, if we go and beat them, then THAT is a statement.
We are the underdogs but that status, along with world rankings, do not really matter in a World Cup semi-final.
Even though I have enjoyed watching Jill Ellis’ side at this tournament, they have shown vulnerabilities. They’re not invincible.
Everything comes at 100mph with the USA, all the time.
I remember this from my time at Boston Breakers.
That’s all they know, it’s how they play.
When England win the ball back they can’t be in that mode.
We can take our time and pick out passes. I think the French fell into that trap on Friday, winning the ball back and then trying to play at a 100mph, too. It got a bit frantic.
England will need to show their composure and technical ability.
The USA have a ‘football arrogance’ which means winning is in their DNA — nothing else is good enough.
They’re not scared to say they are the best and continuously pump that statement out.
England are not serial winners like that yet. If we win the final and then continue to win finals again and again, then we can be considered a superpower.
Tobin Heath has really impressed me at this tournament, particularly with her skill and ability on the ball. I think that’s a player we will need to stop.
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Lucy Bronze will rise to the challenge of facing Megan Rapinoe and I’m confident she’ll stop the USA down that left side of the field.
This is our time. It’s our moment. You can feel it. It’s a special time for women’s football in England and this group of players have the chance to write their names into the history books.
You’ve got to remember to enjoy the experience but you can enjoy it a lot more when you get to a World Cup final.