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England Women vs Brazil Women preview: Phil Neville ready for pre-World Cup test

Phil Neville
Image: Phil Neville's first England Women game came in this competition last year

England kick off their SheBelieves Cup campaign facing Brazil for the second time in five games in Pennsylvania on Wednesday (kick-off 9pm GMT).

Having finished as runners-up in last year's four-team event, Phil Neville's Lionesses are back in the USA looking to go one better to provide the ideal preparation for the World Cup this summer.

Neville is determined to use the competition to prepare his side for their first major tournament under his stewardship, with the 2015 World Cup winners USA, as well as runners-up Japan, also taking part in this build-up competition.

Ahead of the game against Brazil at the 18-500-capacity Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, the home of MLS side Philadelphia Union, he told the FA's website: "There are four great teams, playing in great stadiums, with great crowds. All four nations are among the top 10 in the FIFA rankings so we know we'll be tested and need to be at our best in all three matches.

Alex Greenwood and Anna Anvegard in action at the New York Stadium
Image: England Women were beaten 2-0 by Sweden in their last game

"The tournament is a vital stage in our preparations ahead of the World Cup for our staff and players."

The tournament is likely to provide some happy memories for Neville, whose first game in charge of the women's national team came in the SheBelieves Cup last year, where he led England to a 4-1 win over France.

He said: "The SheBelieves Cup is a fantastic tournament and I'll never forget my first game in charge against France. The players share my enthusiasm for the tournament, that's why we continue to take part."

Team news

Neville has a full squad to pick from ahead of the Lionesses' first SheBelieves Cup game of 2019, after Chioma Ubogagu replaced the injured Jill Scott over the weekend.

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