England have maintained a competitiveness at the past three World Cups that rivals only USWNT but they need to take the next step now
Millie Bright was trying to bring an end to her interview when she gave short shrift to a question trying to compare England’s achievements with the United States women’s team. “We do not compare ourselves to any other nation,” said the Lionesses captain, before being whisked away to the sanctuary of the dressing room.
But like it or not, England’s remarkable consistency at major tournaments suggests they are the closest we have seen from a European nation to the traditional standard-bearers and pace-setters of women’s football.
England’s record is unparalleled in this country’s football history, having reached the semi-finals or better of every major tournament since 2015.
They are the first European nation to reach the last four in three successive World Cups and they are, of course, the reigning European champions after last year’s golden summer climaxed with victory over Germany at Wembley.