Everton defender Nathalie Björn has called on the Women’s squad to have more self-belief that they have the talent to compete with the top sides in England.

The Blues have faced last season’s top three WSL teams in four of their opening six fixtures in all competitions. And for new signings such as Sweden international Björn, the matches have shown the standards Everton must meet to compete at the top end of the table.

But the Olympic silver medallist knows the group must remain confident in their ability and results against the ‘top’ teams will come.

“We have been talking a lot about not showing some teams in the league too much respect,” said the 24-year-old.

“We need to remember we’re also a good team.

“We can play football. We have great players and a great team in general.

“I think we need to believe in ourselves and not show these teams too much respect.”

The Everton number five hasn’t featured for the Blues since the second game of the season due to an ongoing injury.

However, Björn hopes to return to the side following her commitments with Sweden in the international break.

She reinforced her confidence in the quality the Everton squad boasts, and believes that once the team takes points off sides at the top end of the table, winning can become a habit against the very best.

“We can beat anyone on our day, but we need to get that going,” added Björn.

“When we start to take points off the good teams it will begin to feel natural that we can do it on a regular basis.

“I hope that after the international break that I can re-join the team and help get us points.”

Everton return to action on Wednesday 3 November as the squad make the trip to face Leicester City in the Continental League Cup group stage.