Everton trio inspire England to Women’s World Cup quarter-finals

Sep 18 2007 Liverpool Daily Post

ENGLAND coach Hope Powell congratulated her players on staying focused on earning a place in the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup with a 6-1 defeat of Argentina.

The victory was inspired by some impressive displays from Everton trio goalkeeper Rachel Brown and midfielders Fara Williams and Jill Scott, who both scored.

Powell said: "It’s very easy when you come into a game like this, when you’re expected to win, to think further into the tournament.

"So the clear message to the players was to keep their concentration and stay focused, and credit to them – it was a job well done.

"It’s pleasing that we’ve created so many chances and to score six goals tonight was excellent.

"We won’t know until tomorrow night who we have to play in the quarter- final, but whoever it is we’ll be prepared."

Arsenal striker Kelly Smith scored twice as England claimed a comfortable win against an Argentina side who played most of the second half with 10 players after having central defender Catalina Perez sent off.

Smith said "We’re two games away from the World Cup final – sounds good, doesn’t it!"