Lionesses labelled best team on planet as South Korea boss rates World Cup hopes
South Korea manager Colin Bell claimed England are the best team in the world after his side were beaten 4-0 by the rampant Lionesses.
The Asia Cup runners-up did keep the hosts at bay for much of the first half in Milton Keynes, but once Georgia Stanway broke the deadlock with a 40th-minute penalty, there was only going to be one winner. Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo and Lauren James added to the scoreline in the second half to leave South Korea bottom of the table after the first round of Arnold Clark Cup fixtures.
Bell, who previously was on the books at hometown club Leicester during his playing days, gave his own side credit for their performance against the European Champions and said they defended well. However, he also admitted his team would have improve physically to compete with the best sides on the planet with the World Cup looming.
"We had to play almost a catenaccio (defensive tactical system) and park the buses," he said. "I think in the first half we did well. We were well organised.
"Once you go a goal down, it is difficult. We knew the second half would be tough on us conditionally. But credit to the players; they kept and trying.
Earps reacts to FIFA Best nomination and on season so far with Man Utd
"For me, they (England) are the best team in the world at the moment. Sarina Wiegman has an enormous squad. There is high quality there. But do you say no to this opportunity to play against the best in the world? No.
Lauren James of England celebrates after scoring the team's fourth goal (2023 Getty Images)"I think England have a lot of dynamic players. That makes them very, very dangerous. They are worthy European Champions in my opinion and I think they have a very good chance of winning the World Cup.
"It is a great squad to go up against and the development of the women's game is enormous over the last few years. The players are becoming household names, the crowds are coming.
"They just need to keep their feet on the ground and don't believe the hype. It is an exciting time for those players. Hopefully, we can learn from tonight and the next two games and then make our mark in the World Cup also."
Bell also explained the absence of Ji So-yun from the game against England. The former Chelsea star is widely regarded as the teams' star player and is their all-time record scorer with 65 international goals.
"Ji has just come back from an ankle operation," said Bell. "Of course, she wants to play, but I see her train every day. She still isn't' right in training, she can't shoot properly or sprint properly and I'm not going to risk my best player.
"I don't want to make the injury worse or put her in doubt for the World Cup. This tournament is great, but not that important compared to a World Cup."
NEW! Our Year: European Champions 2022 - The Official England Winners Book
With a foreword by England manager Sarina Wiegman, this is the only official book of the historic triumph, reliving every kick of a thrilling tournament and telling the stories of the players who made it all happen.
Order from https://reachsportshop.com/book/our-year-european-champion-2022/
Man Utd boss Skinner sends firm message to Arsenal over Russo contract saga
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
