This is potentially the best England team I've been involved in

Marieanne Spacey

Marieanne Spacey sees reason to be optimistic

Experienced though she may be, however, Spacey has been caught up in the mood of buoyancy that has spread throughout a squad whose average age is only 25.

A veteran of World Cup as well as European campaigns, Spacey said: "This is potentially the best England team I've been involved in.

"I have played in some great sides in terms of spirit and camaraderie, but this team can really go places.

"We've been really focused in training leading up to these finals and everybody knows the importance of the Championships.

Developing nation

"In the past, we have been a nearly-nation in women's football - and we don't want that any longer."

The fighting talk was tempered by coach Powell, who insisted: "Just to reach the finals was a fantastic achievement and now we've done that, we'll be setting realistic targets for the players both as individuals and as a team.

"We are still a developing nation in terms of international football, we are playing catch-up on the very best.

"But this tournament is going to be a great experience for our young players, who are certainly not fazed by the situation.

"Experienced players like Karen Burke, Karen Walker and Marieanne Spacey have played in major tournaments in the past, but a number of the youngsters have played tournament football at Under 18 level and they are a gutsy group who seem to have no fear.

"The side is more athletic than we were two or three years ago and technically we have improved, so although it's going to be difficult we would obviously like to qualify for the semi-finals."

To reach the semis England must finish in the top two of their group, in which they meet Russia on Sunday followed by former Euro winners Sweden and current champions Germany.