England -captain Leah Williamson says that the lion ribbons embrace a new challenge while wanting to win the euros on foreign soil.
Williamson and Co start their long -awaited title defense against France on Saturday evening. When asked whether the team sees this tournament as an opportunity to break new site, the skipper emphasized the future -oriented mindset of the team.
“It is a new territory and you explained it very well – not necessarily about it as a defense, but a new challenge and a chance to do something new,” she said.
“We go every challenge that comes our way, but it's more about concentrating on the day to day and that is always the dream.”
The team contains seven players who make their debut at a big tournament, including rising stars Grace Clinton, Jess Park and Wildcard selection Michelle Agyemang. Williamson spoke about how the senior players of the team lead them through the experience.
She said: 'I think the game has changed a lot since the experienced members of the team played their first tournament – the entire landscape of women's football (has changed) – so we have to take those things into account when we speak to them.
'But I think it gives them just as much freedom to enjoy the experience, but know that they are ready to perform and to leave their mark on the field and just try to find that balance.
'I would never want anyone to be so anxious that it has digested them, but at the same time we are here, it's different. There are many shiny things when you come to a tournament and have many experiences available, but in the end the most important focus is on the field.
'And I think that based on training, and I am sure Sarina agrees, everyone's focus is football first, which has been great.
'I think sometimes players who have never been to a tournament – I probably was when I went to my first – you have to keep them a bit in line because they get distracted a bit. But there is no fear of these guys. '
As far as the opposition is concerned, the center-back of France and Captain Griedge Mbock is excluded from the Saturday evening game due to a calf injury.
The England match against France starts at 8 p.m. and will be broadcast live on ITV.