England enjoyed a 2-1 victory over the USA, the world's top ranked team, at Leyton Orient. Jess Clarke and Rachel Yankey scored as Hope Powell's team beat the Americans for the first time in nine attempts since a 2-0 win in 1988.
Megan Rapinoe reduced the arrears in the second half, but England stood firm to achieve a famous and timely victory just a couple of months ahead of the World Cup finals in Germany.
Coach Powell said: "That was a very professional performance and a big victory for us.
"We've beaten the number one team in the world, showed we can compete with the very best and set a benchmark for ourselves.
"But we mustn't get carried away - there were lots of positives, but there's also lots we need to work on ahead of the World Cup.
"A performance like that bodes well for the future though, and it's a big confidence boost at a great time for the girls in our build-up to the World finals."
