![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/ex-england-star-breaks-down-unseen-womens-world-cup-challenge-facing-15-lionesses/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/0_GettyImages-1544940303.jpg&description=Anita Asante reflected on her first major tournaments and gives insight to how some of the Lionesses will be feeling ahead of their first game at this summer's World Cup when they take on Haiti in their opening group game Anita Asante knows exactly how it feels to step up and make your first appearance at a World Cup. It's something that 15 England players face experiencing at this summer's Women's World Cup. But with Sarina Wiegman's Lionesses among the favourites and only bringing home the crown good enough to satisfy the Dutch coach - 12 months on from European Championship glory - there might not be playing time for everyone. 'My first major tournament I was called up to was the 2005 Euros... I didn't play a single minute, ,' started the 38-year-old, who earned 71 caps during a 14-year international career, operating as a defender or in the middle of the park. "I mean I was a kid then and I watched the whole tournament, but that was my first exposure to 'this is what the big stage is - Oh my god.'' She laughed and continued. 'And then my first tournament of actually competing and playing was the 2007 World Cup in China. And I think of course you have some nerves and it's good to get those butterflies, you know, because it shows that this is important to you, you really want to perform. 'I was just so excited. It was like being a kid in a candy shop, like, you just want to get out there - you have the buzz, you have the adrenaline and you're a bit fearless. I suppose when you're younger, you don't really know what could possibly go wrong.' Asante, who scored two goals for her country, also represented Team GB in the 2012 Olympics. She has seen women's football grow enormously in recent years, with this summer's tournament marking the biggest in history, with 32 teams included for the first time, double the 16 who took part in Asante's inaugural World Cup. It also bookmarks a sensational moment for 15 of England's 23-player squad who are setting out for their firs){kind=link}
Anita Asante reflected on her first major tournaments and gives insight to how some of the Lionesses will be feeling ahead of their first game at this summer’s World Cup when they take on Haiti in their opening group game
Anita Asante knows exactly how it feels to step up and make your first appearance at a World Cup.
It’s something that 15 England players face experiencing at this summer’s Women’s World Cup. But with Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses among the favourites and only bringing home the crown good enough to satisfy the Dutch coach – 12 months on from European Championship glory – there might not be playing time for everyone.
“My first major tournament I was called up to was the 2005 Euros… I didn’t play a single minute, ,” started the 38-year-old, who earned 71 caps during a 14-year international career, operating as a defender or in the middle of the park.
“I mean I was a kid then and I watched the whole tournament, but that was my first exposure to âthis is what the big stage is – Oh my god.'” She laughed and continued.