England may have won their first two games at Euro 2017 but they still need a point against Portugal on Thursday to guarantee a quarter-final spot, while Scotland could join them if they can beat Spain.
The Lionesses are living up to their billing as one of the favourites for the title, with a 6-0 win over Scotland backed up with a 2-0 success against Spain last week – while striker Jodie Taylor has four goals already.
Portugal are the lowest-ranked side in the Netherlands but they also have a chance of reaching the knockout stages after beating Scotland 2-1, so could make life tough for Mark Sampson’s side, although defender Millie Bright insists they won’t take their eye off the ball.
“We are prepared and ready to go, we did a last session today to get everything in place and we are all fit and ready,” she said.
“It will be another tough game, and I have said that about very game so far, that is the way we look at things. We are expecting a tough game physically and we just need to make sure we are ready for it.
“We have had two great performances and put goals past teams and that is what we wanted to do. We have carried that into each game and that has built confidence in us as individuals as well as a squad.
“Whatever starting XI is put out there, we have all faith and confidence in whoever starts to go out and get the job done.”
Meanwhile, Scotland must win by two goals and hope England beat Portugal if they are to book their place in the quarter-finals.
With two defeats from two so far, Anna Signeul’s side are bottom of Group D and take on Spain who are heavy favourites and have attracted many plaudits for their technical proficiency and possession-based game.
But despite being underdogs, Signeul, who will step down as Scotland manager after the tournament, is adamant her side can upset the odds.
“We know we can beat them,” said the Swede. “We know we can play well against them. We have played well against them before.
“They have to go for a win as well, they can’t just count on England beating Portugal.
“We know how it feels to have no ball possession, or very little possession, and we just need to have the same patience and be sure we don’t concede an early goal.
“I think that is the key to success – we keep them out of our goal as long as possible, and for every minute we can do that, we have a better chance of winning the game.”
Sportsbeat 2017