As the England Women’s Under 19 World Cup training squad tour USA, we’ll be keeping up-to-date with their progress through the team’s daily blog.

Day 7 - Wednesday 10 April

After yesterday’s rest day, the squad was relaxed and ready to take on Swarthmore College Garnets in a midweek match-up. The daily morning stretch session with Physio Jess was much needed ahead of a 1 hour 40 minute journey to the game.

However, our ‘bus legs’ didn’t slow the side down as we started the game with a bang. The midfielders did a great job of controlling the draw, the defence was very solid with many turnovers caused, and the offence scored some beautiful goals past a quick goalie.

Despite getting to grips with playing college rules including free movement and defenders in the crease, we secured a 14-9 final result win. Philly sandwiches and Italian ice welcomed the team at the tailgate with tshirt and pin exchanging before the long return to the hotel.

Day 8 - Thursday 11 April

Our final full day in the US brought a journey out to Philadelphia to play Episcopal Academy. Episcopal provided great competition in the first 12 a-side game but we responded well at both ends of the field.

Again we stepped it up for the 10 a-side game, competing in a fast-paced end to end match, converting well on our shots and holding them out strongly at the back with some particularly memorable turnovers.

After a tightly fought game we finished with one final amazing American Barbecue tailgate and reflected on a hard-fought tour with lots learned to take forward to this Summer.