Skip to content

England's Fara Williams says squad are primed for Germany game

Fara Williams celebrates after scoring for England Women against Germany
Image: Fara Williams celebrates after scoring from the spot against Germany at the World Cup

England’s most capped footballer Fara Williams says the Lionesses do not need any extra motivation ahead of their clash with Germany on Thursday.

England face the two-time European champions in an international friendly in Duisburg on Thursday before entertaining Bosnia in a European qualifier at Bristol City's Ashton Gate three days later.

Thursday's clash comes four months after England edged Germany to clinch third place at the 2015 Women's World Cup in Canada and Williams - who scored the winner in the bronze medal match - knows the two-time world champions will be fired up for the game.

"It's the end of the season for us and it can be quite difficult to get yourself up for a game but there is no better game to get up for than the Germany game on Thursday," the Liverpool Ladies midfielder told Sky Sports News HQ.

"After beating them to the bronze medal at the World Cup, I'm sure they are going to want to come at us and the girls are fully prepared for this and Mark always has us focused."

Steph Houghton: Scored against Norway in the group stages
Image: Steph Houghton was on target against Norway in the Women's World Cup

Speaking at the Sunday Times and Sky Sports Sportswomen of the Year Awards earlier this month, England skipper Steph Houghton admitted the Lionesses are relishing facing Germany again.

"It will be different and it will be a great challenge for us going away from home and playing against the best," she said.

Also See:

"It's going to be fantastic for us to play against the best players in the world."

Eniola Aluko and Claire Rafferty at The Sunday Times and Sky Sports Sportswomen of the Year Awards in association with Vitality
Image: Claire Rafferty (r) won't feature in England's matches this week

Meanwhile, Chelsea full-back Claire Rafferty has withdrawn from the squad ahead of the double-header due to a knee injury.

Arsenal defender Jemma Rose, who previously worked under England boss Mark Sampson at Bristol Academy, has been called up as Rafferty's replacement.

Around Sky