'England women vs Brazil an opportunity' says Williams

England's most-capped player ever, Farah Williams, spoke to the media this week ahead of the Lionesses' clash with Copa Sudamericana Femenina champions Brazil, and has encouraged the squad to prepare intensely for the contest, in spite of it being a non-competitive fixture.

Williams was recalled to Phil Neville's squad  after recovering from an injury which saw her miss the last round of international fixtures. The Lionesses face Brazil at Meadow Lane, home of League Two side Notts County,  and before a trip to Fulham's Craven Cottage to take on Australia on Tuesday.

34 year old Reading midfielder Williams told 'BBC Sport'; "We have to beat these teams. We have to treat it like these are the quarter-finals or the semi-finals of the World Cup." Williams, who has earned 168 senior caps so far, hopes that in spite of missing the final two world cup qualifiers last  month, she can still retain her place for the tournament next year. 

 

October 2, 2018

Williams continued; "The opponents are massive and they are teams we don't usually come up against. We usually face teams outside of the top 10 and haven't challenged ourselves to the extent that we will between now and the World Cup. It is an opportunity for us to see where we are at. Brazil will be a massive test and they have some fantastic players."

Speaking of talented individuals, against Brazil England need look no further than Marta, the talismanic Captain of 'As Canarinhas', and icon of the women's game. Marta is the current Women's Footballer of the Year, an accolade she has collected a record six times; she has been and continues to be the most recognisable face of the women's game worldwide. 

England Women's boss Phil Neville has also highlighted the importance of these two upcoming games, in relation the squad's preparations for the Women's World Cup next summer, saying: "It's been an incredible year for the Lionesses, but the hard work has only just started. The next nine months will be crucial and it begins with these friendlies. We're all looking forward to testing ourselves against challenging opposition and I'm sure our fans will come out in good numbers to show their support."