Lionesses are happy being favourites, says White & set to take on Nigeria

England know they're one of the favourites and that's why they're doing well at this World Cup, according to the Lionesses' longest serving captain, Faye White.

It was a slow start to England's campaign, with nervy 1-0 wins over Haiti and Denmark. But the tables seemed to turn when they thrashed 14th-ranked China 6-1, suggesting the winning feeling has well and truly returned.

'The most pleasing thing is that we've been able to adapt to different situations. From being able to adjust our formation with the injury (to Keira Walsh) to Lauren James coming into the squad and being a bit more creative. I think that's what we've missed,' said White.

'And being favourites for tomorrow's match against Nigeria — and the tournament more widely — won't faze the squad, White says.

'England have the mindset against most teams that they have the ability to win. They don't fear anyone. I think the team enjoy that position now and have confidence in their ability.'

White, who wore the captaincy armband between 2002 and 2012, added: 'You can't underestimate that Euros win for their mindset. It gave them belief.'

James' arrival seems to come at the perfect moment and White credits her seemingly endless armoury as a challenge for any defender.

'Once you've been shown to the world teams might start to think they'll be able to find ways to stop you. But the thing is, she's just so strong.

'She's got such good close control of the ball and she can go either way, left foot or right foot.

'When defending you're always trying to get a player onto their weaker side, but Lauren doesn't really have one. She has this ability to use her body to roll players. I'd have hated to mark her.'

James will no doubt be called upon as England's resilience will be tested against Nigeria.

'I expect the match will be another physical game like against Haiti. They'll be happy to concede possession but will have threats with their speed and players like Asisat Oshoala up front,' White said.

'But England will feel confident. You just have to have the mindset that you've got to get the job done.'

Faye White was speaking at the opening of the new M&S Food store inside Wembley Stadium connected by EE. The store is part of M&S Food's commitment through its Eat Well, Play Well partnership with the FA.