Hope Powell is not taking Mexico lightly
England’s preparations for the World Cup took a setback with training match losses to North Korea and Australia.
Hope Powell is worried about the lack of sharpness in some of her players before England’s showdown with Mexico later today.
“Obviously we need to address that, certainly for Monday, but it is when points are at stake that you want the performance.”

The Mexicans have been in very good nick winning their qualifying match against USA forcing them to go to the playoffs. Powell is hoping they can top the group and avoid a potential encounter with Germany who are almost sure of coming out ahead in Group A. Powell acknowledges this could be a tough match.
“Technically they are very good.”
She added: “Forward Maribel Dominguez is a world-class player, but if we just focus on her we’ll be in trouble.”
Kelly Smith, an Arsenal legend and now with the Boston Breakers will be in the spotlight. This might be her last World Cup and she would like to cement her legacy. Mexico have the dangerous Dominguez up front with 67 international goals and Nayeli Rangel controlling midfield. This Mexican team is young and the future belongs to the likes of Rangel, Teresa Noyola, and Alicia Garciamendez.
Rangel vouches for the good vibes that Mexicans are feeling these days.
“This is a great time for football in Mexico and we have to capitalise on it,” she says. “We’re following and supporting all our colleagues and we can’t wait to get going too.”
El Tri will be pumped up after the men’s scintillating Gold Cup victory over the USA. They want their day in the sun.