England ready for fresh challenge

Jodie Taylor has vowed England Women will put Euro 2017 frustration behind them as they attempt to show they can be World Cup contenders in two years.

A chastening 3-0 defeat to hosts Holland ended England’s summer trophy challenge at the semi-final stage, and now they move on to fresh challenges.

The Lionesses return to action at Tranmere’s Prenton Park tonight, when Russia will be the visitors as France 2019 World Cup qualifying begins.

For Taylor it marks a poignant moment, as the 31-year-old began her career as a youngster with Tranmere before heading off on what she calls “my travels”.

She has played in the USA, Canada, Australia and Sweden in the 13 years since leaving behind her Wirral roots. Now with Arsenal, Taylor has only established herself in the England squad over the last three years.

Despite winning the Euro 2017 Golden Boot as top scorer, Taylor was as peeved as any England player by the team’s tournament exit and is determined to recover from that anti-climax.

“It was disappointing because we genuinely believed we could go on and win it,” said Taylor.

“It does help that we’ve got qualifiers for the World Cup coming up. It means there’s not much time to dwell and we’re straight back into it now and hopefully we can put things right and keep building.

“We’ve got so much more to come from the squad. I genuinely believe that, and the hard work starts now. I’m excited for the next two years.”