By Kelly Smith For The Mail On Sunday
Published: 00:13 BST, 2 June 2019 | Updated: 00:13 BST, 2 June 2019
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As a young girl, it was always my dream to play for England at a World Cup. It is the biggest stage there is.
I remember my first World Cup game in 2007, in Shanghai against Japan. I was so proud. I got all choked up singing the national anthem.
All the hard work, the injuries, the sweat and tears. I scored twice in a 2-2 draw. It was my dream becoming a reality.
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I know all the other girls will be feeling the same. Back then, though, there was not much expectation on us. You cannot say the same about this squad.
There is huge pressure and expectation on this England side. What they have achieved recently has done that: getting to the World Cup semi-final in 2015, beating Germany to finish third, then the semis again in the Euros two years ago.
Winning the SheBelieves Cup in March was a massive statement to the world. They go into this tournament ranked third in the world. England are a team that will be feared at this World Cup.
I think they can back up that expectation too. They are a really talented bunch, the best I have seen in terms of quality and strength in depth. There is a great blend of youth and experience.
We have the likes of Steph Houghton, Karen Carney and Jill Scott, who have all made more than 100 appearances, while 11 of the players are going to their first senior World Cup, which shows just how fantastic our youth system is now.
