(Wolfsburg, DEU) - England will be looking to brush off recent warm-up defeats when they open their women's World Cup campaign against Mexico in Group B on Monday.
Hope Powell's team lost to fellow World Cup participants North Korea and Australia last week in warm-up matches, but the England coach insists she has brought the strongest possible side to Germany 2011.
Having impressed in qualifying and finished as runners-up at the 2009 European Championships, the England squad under Powell has a healthy mix of experience and fresh talent, but will be tested by the Mexicans.
"I think there is more depth in the squad than we have ever had, which is a fantastic position for me to be in as coach," said Powell.
"It's the first time I have had that luxury and the girls have all worked hard to be selected.
"Now it's about getting the first game under our belts."
England were unbeaten in their qualifying group, dropping just two points and conceding only two goals in eight matches, while Mexico qualified by finishing second to Canada in the Gold Cup, the north American tournament.
After 15 years in the white shirt of England, forward Kelly Smith has scored 42 goals and won nearly a century of caps, while box-to-box midfielder Fara Williams is another of Englandâ??s consistent goalscorers.
But Mexico inflicted a shock 2-1 defeat on former World Cup winners the USA last year and they will be looking to open their campaign by claiming England's scalp.
Their win over the Stars and Stripes was remarkable, taking into account a previous record of 23 defeats plus one draw from 24 matches and Leonardo Cuellarâ??s charges will not fear England.
Having hit six goals in qualifying, veteran forward Maribel Dominguez is a name to watch and she will be aided by attack-minded players like Veronica Perez and Guadalupe Worbis.
While the England women earn a fraction of their peers in the mens' game, winger Rachel Yankey says comparisons with the star-studded Premier League are futile.
"The men's game is so massive in England, it is hard because people judge women's football against the men," said the Arsenal star.
"We need to let people realise we play the sport in a different way, physically we aren't as strong or as quick as the men.
"We need to look at it as two different games and once people get over that and the national team does well, women's football in England will get bigger."
