20 June 2023 , 13:27
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Rachel Daly says is in a better place mentally than at any previous major tournament as she prepares to help England's bid for a first Women's World Cup title.
The Lionesses are ramping up preparations for the tournament, which begins in a month, with England facing Haiti on July 22 in their first game in Brisbane. Daly will compete for the number nine shirt along with Alessia Russo and the re-called Bethany England.
Daly was used primarily as a left-back at the Euros last summer. But as a forward, the Aston Villa star is in the form of her career, having scored 22 goals in 22 games in the WSL this season. And she revealed that her move back to England has helped her mindset, as she looks to help her country win back-to-back major tournaments .
"A lot has changed personally for me since the last tournament," said Daly. "Obviously moving back home after so long away, ten years, was massive.
"Mentally I'm in a way better place, I needed to move home. And playing in the WSL was something I wanted to do and revisit again. I'm playing in a different position as well.
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"So a lot has changed for me, but I'm playing with a smile on face and enjoying my football, so long may that continue."
Since November last year Wiegman has started to consider Daly purely as a forward, with goals against Norway and Italy following. But with previous first-choice left back Alex Greenwood now expected to play at centre-half to cover for the injured Leah Williamson, Daly may be required to cover at full-back once again.
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - APRIL 11: Alessia Russo and Rachel Daly of England react after the Women's International Friendly match between England and Australia at Gtech Community Stadium on April 11, 2023 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)However, the WSL Player of the Season was named as a forward when the squad was revealed last month. And Daly says she is still prepared to do a job for the team wherever she is asked to play by manager Sarina Wiegman.
"That's (her position) still Sarina's choice," she added. But whatever she chooses is her choice. I'll respect wherever she chooses me to play.
"I'm ready to play in whatever position I'm needed. With the strikers, it's great, we all push each other.
"It's a very healthy competition. There is none of this 'I'm the best' attitude, we are all great friends and just continually push each other. I've got their back and they've got my back."
England go into this World Cup with a major tournament success under their belts for the first time. But Daly does not believe that will impact the sides' mindset going into Australia.
Rachel Daly comes into the World Cup on the back of an outstanding season for Aston Villa"I don't think us being European Champions changes much for us," Daly explained. "A lot has changed with the team since then. We've got lots of new faces.
"We've had a couple of the girls miss out through injury. Some have retired, so it is a new challenge for us. It's nice that we've got the Euros under our belt.
"But it is put to bed now. This is a completely different tournament."
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Unlike at the Euros, England won't have home advantage and Daly admitted that her teammates will need to adapt quickly once they arrive Down Under.
"The travel is going to be tough for everyone," she added. "I know a lot of the families can't make it, mine certainly can't. It's tough to be away from family for that length of time, but it is our job and we're professionals.
"So we'll try and make it a home away from home as much as we can. It's all the little things, like how you pack you you're not living out of a suitcase. This all makes a big difference.
"The way we did that last summer was super important for us."
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