Young Lionesses embracing USA prep camp

Eight weeks before England kick off their FIFA U20 Women's World Cup campaign against Canada in Poland, the Young Lionesses have swapped familiar surroundings for the heat and humidity of Georgia, USA.

Based at US Soccer's brand new national training centre, Lydia Bedford's squad have been testing themselves against world-class opposition, adapting to unfamiliar conditions and strengthening the bonds that could prove crucial when the tournament begins in September.

For Bedford, that's exactly what this trip was designed to achieve.

"The mood has been fantastic," she said. "From when the group connected in June all the way through to now, we've had three camps, and just being here in the US and having three more opportunities to play together as a group has really helped to build what we're trying to work towards for the World Cup."

So far, England have drawn 1-1 with the USA and defeated a Georgia-based college team 3-0, with a final test against Colombia still to come on Wednesday. The camp has provided invaluable experience against opponents from outside Europe.

"Going to a World Cup and knowing you've already experienced playing a handful of those other teams who you don't always get the chance to play gives you the absolute best preparation," Bedford explained. "By the time we get to the World Cup, we'll have played four non-European opponents since June, and I think that puts us in a really positive place."

The challenge has extended beyond the opposition. The high temperatures and humidity in Georgia have added another layer to England's preparations, giving players a taste of the unpredictable conditions they could face later this year.

"It's really interesting to play in different weather conditions," said Chelsea left-back Chloe Sarwie. "Especially this heat – it's quite hard to play in. We never know what Poland is going to be like [in September], so to experience different conditions now is really helpful preparation."

Centre-back Cecily Wellesley-Smith, who is on loan at Swedish side Rosengård from Arsenal, has also embraced the opportunity to experience a different environment.

"It's obviously a really exciting experience to come to a country like this that we don't go to very often," she said. "It's been very, very hot, which has been interesting to deal with, but it's nice to be here and experience a different country and culture."

The 1-1 draw with the USA showed encouraging signs on the pitch with England set to face Canada, Tanzania and Brazil in the group stage at September’s tournament.

"It was a good game to prep for the World Cup," said Wellesley-Smith. "Playing countries like the USA and Colombia is a great test because we could face teams like this at the World Cup. There will be a lot of lessons to take from both games."

The result against the Americans has also reinforced the belief within the squad. "They're a great team with lots of good players," Wellesley-Smith added. "But so are we. We've got to recognise the quality we have, and I think we showed that."

That sentiment was echoed by Sarwie. "We're continuing to build momentum," she said. "As a team, we know we're more than capable of winning these matches. It's just little details that we can fix, but if we all work together, then I know we can make it far."

Off the pitch, the camp has been just as important in helping the squad grow closer together. For some of the players, the trip represents their first experience of long-haul travel, while visits to a shopping mall and an Atlanta Dream WNBA game have offered a chance to experience American culture together.

"I think it's really important that our players experience a bit of the culture," Bedford said. "Going to watch another professional women's sport is a really nice way for the players to connect and see how women's sport is developing in another country."

With the World Cup now edging closer, excitement is beginning to build.

"I feel incredibly lucky to have been given this opportunity," Bedford said. "This is one of our most talented groups in a long time, and to be able to lead them into a World Cup is really exciting."

For Sarwie, who has enjoyed a breakthrough year with Chelsea and the England WU23s squad, simply being involved is something she refuses to take for granted.

"Every camp is a privilege. So to be playing in such a massive competition is incredible. Even if I only get one minute at the tournament, it'll be an amazing experience and there'll be so many learnings to take from it."

England's last appearance at the U20 Women's World Cup came in 2018, when the Young Lionesses won bronze before many of that squad progressed to become senior Lionesses. Bedford believes that pathway is a powerful source of motivation for her current group.

"It makes it feel tangible for the players," she said. "If you're selected and get the opportunity to compete at this World Cup, history shows you've got a really strong chance of progressing through our pathway.

"We always want to win whenever an England team competes. The goal is to be involved in seven games and be there right until the final stages of the tournament. But beyond that, it's about helping prepare the next generation of Lionesses."

After a week of testing themselves against different opponents, adapting to demanding conditions and continuing to grow together as a group, England will head to Poland knowing their World Cup preparations have given them a solid foundation to build from.