Jordan Nobbs is part of Mark Sampson’s named side ahead of Friday night’s friendly against the USA at Stadium MK. Andy Lamb has been speaking to Jordan ahead of the game.
AL:Jordan, if we go back to the Germany game at Wembley briefly – are there any particular memories of the game?
JN: It was a once in a lifetime opportunity really. We got to play at Wembley in front of a 55,000 fans which you would never think in a women’s game. It was at one of the best stadiums in England. To play against one of the best teams of the world, even though the result wasn’t how we wanted it to go, I think it was still a great occasion and something we hope to have more of.
AL: You got the chance in the first minute too.
JN: Obviously it would have been nice to go in and I definitely think it would have changed the game. The confidence of the girls would have changed as Germany would’ve then been on the back-foot but that’s the way football goes and hopefully another time, a bit of luck and it would go in.
AL: USA tomorrow night – are you going into it as just another game?
JN: I guess so but everything we are doing now is preparing for the World Cup. We need to be playing the bigger teams experiencing what they can do and what challenges they bring. Germany and USA are the best teams we can go up against so its good preparation and knowledge for everyone ahead of the World Cup.
AL: Mark has brought back Katie and Anita too this time in the squad.
JN: Mark has a lot of choice with the leagues right now and big decisions to make on players. He will choose players he needs for specific games and outcomes. Katie [Chapman] and Neetz [Anita Asante] have been big players over the last few years and that’s why they are here now. There’s a few injuries and we need more than 30 players that can be ready to be part of the squad.
AL: What is the opportunity like to test yourself against these ‘world class’ players?
JN: As a player it’s everything you want to do, you want to play against the best players in the world and not just play against them but shine out as well. You want to be competing with them to prove yourself as an individual. The whole squad are ready for tomorrow and ready for the challenge.
AL: Is it fair to say the selection for Canada is on your mind just yet or are just playing your best between now and then?
JN: Every game as it comes really, the aim is Canada and we have got to show everyone what we can do in the game’s leading up to that. To gain more knowledge and strengthen as a squad.
USA v England is on BBC Red Button and Sports Extra tomorrow night
SHE KICKS – the online community for women’s football
