Broadcaster and former England and Arsenal star Alex Scott believes the Lionesses have a target on their back ahead of this summer's European Championships in Switzerland.
Sarina Wiegman's side won the tournament on home soil in 2022 after beating eight-time winners Germany at Wembley. A stoppage time winner from Chloe Kelly made history as England received the award for the first time.
12 months later, the lionesses failed to add a World Cup trophy in their cabinet as they were defeated in the final by Spain. The reigning world champions, along with Germany and France, will be among the strongest contenders to win the Euros this year.
England's form since the 2023 World Cup has suffered after they missed out on qualification for last summer's Olympics in France. Most of their six defeats under the Dutch coach have come in the last year and a half of her tenure.
Scott, who represented England 140 times during her playing days, was brought into the team Women's Super LeagueHall of Fame on Monday alongside former national teammates Gilly Flaherty and Steph Houghton, as well as recently retired referee Rebecca Welch.
Former inductees include members of that Euro-winning team such as Ellen White. Speaking at an event this week to celebrate the honour, Scott shared her views on England's trophy hopes and why Hope Powell's words still ring true.
“I hope they can retain their title,” insisted Scott. “But Hope Powell always said that it's easy to get that England shirt, the hard thing is to keep it.
“It's the same with trophies, because you have a target on your back. Everyone wants to be the one to stop England lifting that trophy again.
“All lionesses know that. Going to the Euros, from the friendlies already, it won't be easy or going there as favourites. It will be more difficult than before, but the girls already know that and we hope that in the next matches (in the League of Nations) we will see a different team of lionesses.”