BILLERICAY Town Ladies boss Kim Coster has backed England to win the Women’s World Cup.

The Lionesses got the group stage off to the perfect start as they beat arch-rivals Scotland 2-1 in Nice.

And Coster, who is looking forward to her 18th season in the Billericay hotseat, believed Phil Neville’s side can return to England as world champions.

“It’s exciting times for England and I thought it was fantastic how the squad was announced by numerous celebrities and familiar faces,” said Coster.

“That was absolutely superb and you have to go into any tournament in a positive frame of mind.

“There are some quality teams in the competition, but we have to be confident in ourselves.

“I think that having the right mental attitude is really important and you have to be strong in that respect.

“I’m backing England to win the Women’s World Cup and I’ll be pushing them all the way.”

England made a winning start to their Women’s World Cup campaign as they saw off debutants Scotland.

In front of a crowd of 13,188 at the Allianz Riviera, Nikita Parris put the Lionesses ahead with a 14th minute penalty awarded for handball via VAR and Ellen White’s curled finish made it 2-0 in the 40th minute.

Having looked very much in control, Neville’s team, who were denied by some fine Lee Alexander saves and had two efforts chalked off for offside, then endured a nervy finale after Claire Emslie pulled a goal back with 11 minutes remaining.

While Scotland could not save themselves from defeat, they could take heart from their efforts in their first Women’s World Cup finals appearance two years after being thrashed 6-0 by England in the last meeting at Euro 2017.

And Coster was not surprised that it proved to be a closer encounter this time around.

“I always knew that it was going to be a tough game,” added Coster.

“Scotland have become extremely strong and, over the last 12 months, they have come together as a squad.

“I know Scotland midfielder Kim Little through acquaintances and she believes in their team.”

Coster is eager to see England, who finished third in the 2015 Women’s World Cup, make history and get their hands on silverware.

And the Billericay boss is keen to see the Lionesses hold the trophy aloft herself.

“I am going to a semi-final and the final,” admitted Coster.

“I managed to get tickets so I have got my fingers crossed that I will see England in both of those games.

“Some of the teams have gone under the radar and so I wouldn’t be surprised if there are a few shock results along the way, but that all adds to what the tournament has to offer.

“It would be great to see England win the Women’s World Cup.”