It’s a new game altogether – Desiree Ellis

Dubbed the ‘Clash of the Champions’ - the two nations meet tonight in Coventry City, a friendly match that comes at the back of defeats for both countries.

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The hosts lost 3-4 to Germany while South Africa were beaten 5-0 by Denmark on Friday. This will be the third encounter between the Lionesses and Banyana Banyana, with the English having an upper hand of two wins already.

South Africa had a night they would like to forget in Aalborg, but Ellis says it’s all in the past.

''It's a new game, of course we look back on that  but it is a whole new opponent, an opponent that also just recently lost - they are also preparing for Euros taking place next year, so it is a process for both of us. We were glad to give some players an opportunity to see what they can offer, we have new personnels as well, we're all looking forward to this new challenge,'' said Ellis.

Ellis is excited that she has a full complement of players for the England match following the arrival of overseas-based players – Linda Motlhalo, Thembi Kgatlana, Sinoxolo Cesane and Hilda Magaia – who could not travel to Denmark due to challenges with their Visas.

''Look, it's fantastic, we have the experience of Thembi, Linda, Hilda and Sino has also come in, who's had a couple of camps with the national team but that is something you can't buy, just looking at the experience these players have. We have played in different styles and these players have an understanding of these systems - with the short time that we have they will fit in very well and we will take it forward to the England game,'' added Ellis.

The four-time CAF Women’s Coach of the Year says no one needs motivation to face England.

 ''Look, I don't think we need to motivate anyone after playing a tough opponent like England. You know they were the World Cup finalist, they are current European champions - I think for every player you want to play against the very best. We are looking for a better performance building up to the WAFCON,'' she expressed.  

Reflecting on the Denmark loss, Ellis says a lot of lessons were learnt.

Ellis is confident that they will do things differently this time around – be defensively sound but also be able to attack at same time.