She Believes Cup memories can spur England Lionesses to further glory - Sue Smith

For the players, it is an important chance to stake their claims with this year’s Olympics, and the European Championships in England next year.

Since last year’s World Cup, the team has had a real dip. We were expecting the team to kick on, so it is important for the manager Phil Neville and a very good squad to start showing what they are capable of again.

The players like what Neville has done, and say he is a good motivator. Assistant Bev Priestman had previous experience within the women’s game across the world so it is a good combination. They can take England to the next level and win a major tournament. Victory in the US is a good first step.

England won the tournament last year and having experienced that high, will want to retain it.

Even though 2019 did not translate into lifting the last World Cup, another win in 2020 can only help. England will take it seriously because of the quality of the opposition – world champions USA, Spain and Japan.

All three play slightly differently, which makes it good preparation for major tournaments ahead. There is real competition for places and with the three games in six days, Neville will rotate his squad.

Jill Scott and Jordan Nobbs are a solid and experienced midfield combination and Chelsea’s Barnsley-born Beth England is the Women’s Super League’s in-form striker and will be desperate to play in the summer because she missed the last World Cup.

Even she is not guaranteed her place especially with Ellen White for competition. With Carly Telford struggling to hold down a regular place at Chelsea, the inexperienced Ellie Roebuck and Sandy MacIver will look to challenge as first-choice goalkeeper.

By including uncapped players MacIver, Grace Fisk and Alessia Russo, Neville has shown he is getting round the grounds and no-one is guaranteed their place.

Fisk, in particular, has performed well for West Ham United and this is a chance to prove what she can do.