RACHEL DALY is pushing Euros nostalgia to the back of her mind with the Lionesses laser-focused on winning football’s biggest prize.
Monday will be a year to the day Daly helped England win the contest at Wembley with a dramatic 2-1 defeat of Germany.
The Lioness, who started in all six games of that unbeaten run, sees the Women’s World Cup as a “different kettle of fish”.
And her team aims to finish top of Group D by beating or drawing with China in Adelaide on Tuesday.
A first place finish for England would see them seal a last-16 clash with either Nigeria, Australia or Canada.
Daly, 31, said: “For me personally, I don’t want to go into a tournament thinking about another one.
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“It’s a completely different kettle of fish as it’s the world’s biggest stage.
“It’s a different feel with different (England) players and staff.
“It’s great that we won the Euros and it’s something that we do discuss now and again.
“For me, it was a special moment. But at times like this you have to focus on what’s in front of you and push that aside.”
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Daly, who made her senior England debut in 2016 scoring in a 7-0 Euros qualifier defeat of Serbia, is regarded as one of the leaders within the squad.
The versatile Leeds-born Lioness joked she’s astounded to now be the third-oldest player following Ellen White’s and Jill Scott’s retirements.
The 71-capped England star added: “I’m actually shocked I’m the third oldest. I don’t act that way, I’m sure.
“It’s a different role for me, now we’ve lost Jill and Ellen who are older.
“But losing two players of their overwhelming experience is tough.
“Some of the younger players have to step into that role and it’s nice to be able to do that.
“I had that when I was younger and so it’s nice to speak to the younger ones.
“And there are players here who are experiencing their first tournament.
“They’re over the other side of the world, away from home and not seeing family so much. It’s nice to be able to help them.”
England’s last duel with China saw them lose 2-1 back in October 2015, five months after beating their opponents by the same scoreline at the Academy Stadium.
But much has changed for the Lionesses’ fortunes since then.
They are currently ranked the fourth best side in the world and ten places above their rivals who beat Haiti last Friday.
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Daly said: “We know their threats and what they’re capable of.
“We should be prepared the best way we can and hopefully get those next three points in the bag.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
