Anna Anvegård believes now is the moment for the squad of Everton Women to stand up and be counted ahead of the return to Barclays FA Women’s Super League action.
The Blues return to Walton Hall Park on Sunday when they host Reading, with the action set to get underway at 1pm (GMT).
It has been an eventful week for the Blues with a change of management, but the Sweden international has stated that the team now must step up and show their quality this weekend.
“We have a point to prove heading into the weekend,” Anvegård told evertonfc.com.
“We cannot shy away now; we have to stand up and be counted.
“There has been some change this week, but I think we have all adapted well to it.
“Chris Roberts and Claire Ditchburn have been excellent with us on the pitch this week, we have all been working really hard.
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Make sure you head along to Walton Hall Park tomorrow to support the team as they face Reading (1pm GMT kick-off).
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“We are a strong group and we have maintained our focus in training so that we are in the best possible mindset heading into the weekend.
“It’s up to us now to step up and show people what we are capable of.”
The women’s side beat Reading 3-0 earlier in the league campaign, with Anvegård scoring the opener - her first goal for the Club.
However, the Royals have enjoyed a streak of seven games without defeat in the WSL since.
Anvegård recognised the challenge that awaits them on Sunday but is confident the hosts can match their opponents and pick up points.
“The game we had against Reading earlier in the season, we did very well,” she continued.
“We have looked back at what we did well in that game ahead of Sunday, but we recognise that they have been on a good run of results since then.
“Every game for us from now until the end of the season is incredibly important if we want to climb up the table.
“They will feel confident with the run of form that they’re on, but we have treated this week as a fresh start so we will be looking to match their performance.
“It won’t be easy, but we will definitely make it tough for Reading on Sunday.”
Everton are unbeaten against Reading at home in the WSL era and a win on Sunday would make the Toffees the first side in the division to record a league double over the Royals this campaign.
While the team are clearly not short of motivation ahead of the encounter, Anvegård says there is an added desire to accomplish this goal.
“We have a lot of motivation heading into this weekend to show what we are capable of," she said.
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“If we needed an extra incentive then it’s to be the first Everton squad to beat Reading home and away in the same WSL season.”
It’s been over seven weeks since Everton last competed on home soil, with the Swede expressing her and the team’s desire to be reunited with the Blues support.
“We’re all really looking forward to be back playing at Walton Hall Park again.
“It’s been many weeks since we have been able to play with a home support.
“The fans that travelled to Huddersfield last weekend were excellent, and we know they’ll be incredible again when we return home."
