Millie Bright column: How England’s ‘special aura’ can help drive us to success against US

Phil Neville has spoken about us being “bad-ass women”, and I agree with that 100%.

His definition might be different to mine, but to me it shows we are strong, determined, we never give in, but we are humble and ready to make strides in women’s football.

That phrase came up when we set our targets last year.

There have been a lot of changes to the team since we played in Euro 2017, so we wanted to build on the success we had before, start a new chapter and make sure that we are the most together team around.

We’ve learned a lot of lessons.

We also wanted to make it clear that any new players coming into the squad understood what playing in this group should mean.

For us, winning the World Cup is not enough. If you come into the squad, you are not just here for the moment but you’re building that legacy for the next generation.

There is something special about this group of players, a bond and a spirit which isn’t forced, and I don’t think we’ve ever been in a better position to succeed.

You can see it when the team scores and all the substitutes are out of their seats celebrating like mad. No matter if they are playing or not, they are just so happy for the squad and the team.

And it’s why I would have sacrificed my place against Norway if I knew I couldn’t make it through the game. I wouldn’t have jeopardised the team’s chances, I have too much respect for them.

Millie Bright was talking to BBC Sport’s Alistair Magowan.