England coach Neville calls China "a good team" at Women's World Cup

Source: Xinhua| 2019-06-20 10:26:00|Editor: Li Xia

Video PlayerClose

NICE, France, June 19 (Xinhua) -- England women's football team head coach Phil Neville said on Wednesday that China are a good team and played in a disciplined fashion at the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Although Neville made eight changes to his starting line-up, England managed a 2-0 victory over Japan in their last game, topping Group D with three wins in as many matches.

China, ranked third in Group B, will be one of the potential opponents looming ahead for England in the round of 16.

"They are going to be a good team," Neville said in response to a question from Xinhua at a press conference. "Spain and Denmark, who we played in the last two months, both gave us tough games. [China's] ranking is around the area of the teams we played who gave us tough games.

"We watched their game against Spain and they played very well and were disciplined. It was a good example of the type of football and technique the Chinese team have. We need to get focused as it's a quick turnaround, with three or four days, so we've got to be quick as well," added Neville.

"When we get to the last 16, it's about winning. We play with a big emphasis on winning. From now to the end of the tournament, we have to play with a certain style. We are just where we want to be, in the last 16 and ready to attack."

Neville added that his team selection would depend strongly on the identity and playing style of England's opponents. "We profile every player. It depends on what team we're playing. There are certain players who are our experts in certain games. We need to know which team we're playing, then decide how they play, how we're going to beat them and see which player fits the profile the best."

"That's what rotation is about," he added. "It's not about throwing 23 players into a hat and pulling out 11. We strategically plan each rotation. Sometimes if you make more than five you suffer with your rhythm and flow and I think we did that tonight. We knew that at times we were going to suffer but I think it was a game that we needed to have to keep us focused."