Jordan Nobbs warns England against complacency with Euro 2017 quarter-final in sight

The Lionesses will qualify for the quarter-finals if they avoid defeat against Portugal
AFP/Getty Images
Charlie Bennett24 July 2017

Two wins from two, eight goals scored and none conceded have put England on the verge of the Euro 2017 quarter-finals but Arsenal midfielder Jordan Nobbs insists they cannot relax.

The Lionesses saw off Spain 2-0 yesterday, courtesy of goals from Fran Kirby and Jodie Taylor, but they still need a point to guarantee their stay in the Netherlands and that should be a formality against Portugal on Thursday.

The belief they can go on to become the first England senior side since 1966 to win a major trophy has grown following their victory here in Breda.

Nobbs, however, is demanding focus from her team-mates.

“We truly believe as a squad and as a whole how far we can go in this tournament and we just need to rest and recover now so that we take another three points from Portugal,” she said.

“We want to be here and we want to win every single game, I think not conceding against Spain was a massive confidence for us and we just need to make sure we put in 110 per cent against Portugal and make sure we don’t underestimate them because they will be dangerous.

“I think [the win] just showed the belief and grit in our team to take our chances but also show the fighting desire we have in our squad. The belief after that game is huge, you see the way we celebrated every goal and the fans were unbelievable. We are enjoying being here and we are excited for Portugal now.”

England can perhaps feel slightly fortunate, after referee Carina Vitulano changed her mind after appearing to award Spain a penalty for handball in the 75th minute with the score at 1-0.

Getty Images

Boss Mark Sampson was delighted with how his side dug deep to win, just like another side he wants the Lionesses to emulate.

“Chelsea won 13 games in a row and often beat the bottom teams 1-0, they did not play well at all but they won and ended up as Premier League champions,” he said.

“Our capacity to find a way to win and grind out results is going to be key for us moving forward.”

SSE is an official partner of the England’s Women’s team, supporting the game from grassroots through to international level. Follow us at @YourSSE

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