England women’s World Cup bid begins

England face group games against Mexico, Japan and New Zealand.

With an average age of 26, the squad is a mix of youth and experience and includes 13 players who flew to China for the World Cup in 2007.

England got through to the finals in Germany after topping their qualification group unbeaten and defeating Switzerland in a two-legged play-off late last year.

They are ranked tenth in the world and have been in good form heading into the tournament after beating the world’s best, the United States, in April.

Monday’s opponents Mexico are ranked 22nd but have also recently beaten the US.

Football pundits say England are “underdogs with a chance” and, as with the men’s game, Germany are considered a force to be reckoned with.

The hosts began their campaign with a 2-1 win against Canada.

‘Anxious to get underway’

England Manager Hope Powell said she has a great squad to work with: “The standard of top-level women’s football in this country has definitely improved and we are in a better place now in terms of players than we have ever been.

“I have got a really talented bunch of players to choose from and this choice has been made even more difficult in recent times by the emergence of some of the younger players who have come to the fore and have done really well.”

“I’m more excited than nervous and anxious to get underway.” Centre-back Sophie Bradley

The players have spent the last week in Germany preparing for Monday night’s match.

Twenty two year-old centre-back Sophie Bradley said she is looking forward to getting started: “We’ve been doing lots of training and had a few friendly matches. It’s all been really good so we’re just waiting for the first game.”

She added: “I’m more excited than nervous and anxious to get underway.

“When we go to training we go past the stadium we’re playing in and every time I think it’s amazing and imagine playing there.”