Hope Powell says her players should relish the opportunity to make history when the season restarts, and they face Birmingham City for a place in the semi-finals of the Women’s FA Cup.
The quarter-final was due to take place on Sunday, but was postponed after the FA ordered elite football to close down until at least 4th April because of the coronavirus outbreak.
“It’s frustrating but health comes first,” said Powell. “We had prepared well and were looking forward to the game but of course we have to follow the protocols and guidelines laid down by the club.
“But when we do play it is going to be great for the players. It’s an opportunity to showcase the club and themselves as individuals, and to make history by getting to the semi-final which the club has never done before.
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“We’re really looking forward to it. To get to this stage for the first time since 1994 and given the draw, which are pleased with as it’s the one we would have chosen, is something to relish and enjoy.
“But so will Birmingham. They have got some really decent players and while we beat them 3-0 here in the WSL in November they had some big hitters missing.
“They’ve had a change of manager, which sometimes inspired a team. The main thing is to focus on our strategy and what we can do. Hopefully it will be enough and if not, it won’t be for the want of trying.
"In the meantime we will train as normal and hopefully it won’t be too long before we’re playing again although, of course, we will be guided by the FA and the club on that.”