STARS & GRIPES

Oatley insists only USA can ruin the Lionesses World Cup dream

- BETH LINDOP

BROADCASTER Jacqui Oatley believes reigning champions USA will pose the biggest threat to England's World Cup hopes this summer.

The Lionesses are bidding to win the tournament, held in Australia and New Zealand for the first time, with their World Cup kicking off against Haiti on Saturday.

Sarina Wiegman's squad are among the favourites to take home the trophy after their triumph at last year's Euros.

However Oatley believes toppling four-time winners USA will be a difficult feat for any side. She said: "The USA will get it together on the big stage when it matters.

"One of the huge advantages they have is that it's right in the middle of the NWSL season so they're super fit and they also have the mentality of having been there and won it before."