England defender Millie Bright is “expecting a physical game” against Cameroon but is relishing the battle ahead at the Women’s World Cup.
Millie Bright is confident England will be able to deal with the physicality of Cameroon when the two sides meet on Sunday at the World Cup (England 15/2 World Cup Outright).
Despite winning all three Group D matches, the Lionesses have still to hit top form in France and will be taking something of a step into the unknown when they walk out in Valenciennes.
The fixture at the Stade du Hainaut will mark the first time the two nations have met and the occasion provokes memories of Italia ’90, when England’s men’s team overcame a talented Indomitable Lions side 3-2 in the quarter-finals.
Ajara Nchout’s 95th-minute goal made the difference for Cameroon as they beat New Zealand 2-1 in their final pool game to emulate their efforts of four years ago by reaching the last 16.
The African nation are the 16/1 underdogs to win on Sunday, with the draw 13/2 and England the 1/8 favourites but Bright is taking nothing for granted as her side aim for a quarter-final place against either France or Brazil.
After being too good for Scotland, Argentina and Japan, Phil Neville’s side can expect a more physical test in Valenciennes and the 25-year-old Chelsea defender is confident they will be able to handle the strength and speed of their opponents.
“Our technical team will tell us everything we need to know about our opponents, who beat New Zealand 2-1 in their final group game,” she wrote in her column for BBC Sport.
“Cameroon were impressive in their win over New Zealand and, from what I’ve seen of them, they are an athletic and powerful side. We are expecting a physical game, but we see ourselves as a physical team too, so we are prepared for it and cannot wait to face them.”
Odds subject to change.
