England on the brink but France fear surprise revival

 
Andy Hodgson18 July 2013

If England lose to unbeaten France tonight they are out of the Women’s European Championship but rival coach Bruno Bini would not be surprised if Hope Powell’s side win the tournament.

A pre-championship defeat to Sweden ended England’s 11-match unbeaten run and they have struggled at the finals, losing 3-2 to Spain and drawing 1-1 with Russia.

It means they must beat France — who are already assured of top place in Group C — in Linkoping to guarantee their survival but Bini is not counting them out.

Asked about England’s results, he said: “Nothing surprises me. You know, the competition is only a few games old, anything can happen. Nothing tells us England won’t be European champions.”

Should England draw then they will be out if Russia beat Spain. However, if Russia fail to win and England get a point tonight then Hope Powell’s side will go into a draw with Denmark for the last of two available spots for the best third‑placed finishers.

England were almost eliminated on Monday but were rescued by Toni Duggan’s 93rd-minute equaliser against the Russians.

Powell accepts her squad have been below par and has urged them to show some character.

She said: “We know we are not performing but we know we have that spirit and if we combine that with a better performance, who knows? I can’t fault the effort; it’s just not clicking for us at this moment in time and, hopefully, it does against France.”

Arsenal midfielder Rachel Yankey, England’s most capped player, misses the game after injuring a hamstring against Russia.

Live on BBC Three, 7.30pm

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