England women's soccer team poised to win tournament in China

England looked confident of a triumph in the international women's soccer tournament at Yongchuan, Chongqing on Thursday.

England, who was led by Mark Sampson to third place at this summer's World Cup, is the highest ranked side in the three-team competition.

The Lionesses were also favourite to clinch the title in Chongqing, where they will start their campaign against the host China on Friday and face Australia four days later.

"We came here to win the games," said Mark Sampson, the head coach of England. He hoped his side could continue the positive momentum after their success in 2015 Canada World Cup.

"It is an important tournament. We will play against two good teams and meet different challenges," he added.

According to the English Football Association, Sampson has handed four players their first call-up to his squad. Chelsea trio Hannah Blundell, Laura Coombs and Drew Spence and Sunderland's Beth Mead have all been named in the 21-player roster.

"We brought some younger players here. It will be good experience for them. Hopefully they will improve and become important ones for England in the next two years," said Sampson.

The English head coach was familiar with his newly-appointed counterpart of the Chinese team, Bruno Bini. The 60-year-old Frenchman, who signed a four-year contract with the Chinese Football Association last month to succeed Hao Wei, will have his first match in the new position as the world No. 15 of China meet the world No.5.

"It is great to see him back in the games at international level. He made great contributions to the French women's football team," said Sampson.

Bini, the third foreign head coach for the Chinese side, has steered the French women's team to a fourth finish at the 2011 World Cup and the 2012 London Olympic Games.

"We believe his knowledge and experience will lead China, the very good players and team, to success," said the English coach. Endi