LONDON 2012: Squad quality means GB women have nothing to fear, says Scott

Posted: Monday 16th July 2012 | 18:40

GREAT Britain and Arsenal star Alex Scott is hoping that her teammates' experience and ability will be enough to get Hope Powell's side out of the group stages.

NO FEAR: Hope Powell's side should fear no one with the ability in the squad, says Arsenal
defender Alex Scott

Team GB women's football will face New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium on July 25 in a fixture that will kick-off the 2012 Games.

And the 27-year-old believes that the inclusion of club teammate Kim Little will boost the squad as they finish the group against Brazil at Wembley, who she says they do not fear.

"When you go through the squad, you see the amount of experience of our players," said Scott, who has 90 caps for England.

"It feels special, and Kim coming in is a natural progression as she's been around so many Arsenal players. Hope has picked the best squad.

"Our experience is great, with World Cups, European Championships and with people like Kim who have played in European finals.

"We believe we've got a great squad but our main aim is three points in our first game. We need to get out of the group and then anything can happen from there.

"There's no-one that gives us nightmares but Brazil at Wembley is exciting, especially with the best player in the world with Marta, but nothing scares us.

"As athletes and professionals, we like the competition. You put yourself in the position to play against the best. Playing the first game is quite exciting.

"It's a great showpiece that we're the first game in the Olympics and it's great for us to represent Team GB."

Little, who is one of only two non-English players in the squad - alongside international teammate Ifeoma Dieke - says the squad has settled in well.

The team came together at the kitting out session in Loughborough, but have spent a week training in Spain before arriving at the Olympic village, where they were greeted by special guests, which left a lasting impression.

She said: "We only got to the village today. We're in an environment of six and haven't seen the rooms yet.

"The food hall is massive and to be greeted by Sir Clive Woodward and Dame Kelly Holmes has made it very special.

"It's helped having Arsenal teammates and Scottish teammates around and the week's training has gone great.

"The feedback I've got from Scotland is positive. The media up there have contacted me and want to be involved and it's been very positive."

London-born defender Anita Asante, who currently plays in Sweden, is hoping that playing in the Games will inspire a new generation of women's football fans in Britain.

"We know this is a mega event with millions of people watching and young people tuning in will pick role medals," said Asante, who has also played in America.

"It's huge what it can do for the women's game. We know what the women's game can bring here because of the squad."

Goalkeeper Karen Bardsley, who was born in the United States, agrees with Asante and believes performance will dictate how the team impact on the public.

She said: "I hope the performance that we bring spurs people to watch and if we perform to our ability, it can be a stepping stone for women's football."