Ellen White believes England will be back to their best when the Lionesses take on Denmark this Friday in the World Cup

The former Chelsea and Arsenal striker scored 52 goals in 113 games for England, but was quick to acknowledge that coming away with three points will be no easy feat.

“I have no doubt England will be back to their best on Friday," she said.

"The first game of a tournament is always tricky, it makes it one step harder when you come in as European champions and one of the tournament favourites.

“Denmark are a strong side and will have been favourites with us to get out of what is looking like a talented group.

“It’ll be a tough challenge, but I back the team to go out there and get three points and top our group.”

England began their tournament with a tense 1-0 win over Haiti in their opening World Cup in Australia.

After their European success last year, the legacy of the Lionesses has been drastic across the nation.

“We saw the impact of the Euros win last summer with more women and girls all across the country being inspired to play," added White. 

"That makes me so proud. And it’s been made real thanks to National Lottery investment which has enabled over 170 new girls teams to form in the last year, giving more women and girls the chance to play and enjoy football.

“Over the last 10 years there has been over £50 million of investment from The National Lottery into the sport in ways which supports the female game and this is helping give the next generation of girls a safe environment to enhance their skills.”

Kelly Simmons, Director of the Women’s Professional Game at the FA, said: “The impact of the European success last summer has really changed the landscape of women and girl’s football in this country and these new teams that have formed will only add to the strength of the Lionesses in years to come.

“It is an exciting time for football in this country and I am excited to watch the rest of the tournament unfold.”

England take on Denmark this Friday and then round off their group games against China on Monday August 1.

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