A 2-0 win against Japan ensured the Lionesses emerged from Group D with a 100% record and on her full debut at the tournament, the attacking midfielder was at her influential best.
Stanway displayed determination and skill in equal measure to provide a threaded pass for Ellen White to open the scoring against the 2011 World Champions and the Barrow-born youngster is hoping England’s form has sent a message to their rivals ahead of the knockout stage.
“We hope that they fear us,” she said. “We hope that nobody wants to play England.
“We’re just excited to go out there and see what we can do.
“We’ve got the confidence to do it. We’ve got the freedom to do it. We’re just going to go out there and showcase our creativity.”
Stanway, who top-scored in last summer’s Women’s Under-20 World Cup, when England reached the semi-final, looked to express her talent throughout the final group stage game and was thrilled to make her first start in the tournament.
“Unbelievable,” added the 20-year-old.
“There’s obviously no bigger stage than this and I’ve done it surrounded by the girls that I absolutely love.
“It’s hard for me to describe because I just loved every minute of it.”
It was a start she was made to wait for, with Phil Neville electing to ease his young talent into the competition with 10-minute cameos in the opening two games.
Having made eight changes for the Japan contest, the England boss is clearly determined to utilise all the talent at his disposal, something Stanway believes can only aid the Lionesses’ quest for victory.
“It’s hard being on the bench but with a squad like ours, you can’t complain.
“We’ve got a squad that’s always pushing to play and always pushing to get better.
“I think the competition within the environment is very healthy because anyone can play at any time and everyone’s got the capability to do the job.”
England’s last 16 tie with Cameroon kicks off at 4.30pm (BST) on Sunday 23 June and in the UK it will be broadcast live on BBC One.
Dominic Scott-Bone is a Football Journalism student at the University of Derby who are reporting on the Women’s World Cup from France.
