"I mean, the whole experience itself, that US World Cup was a massive eye-opener to me because I was still a youngster and I saw the power of women's football and the support that it could gain and get."

In 2012, Ferguson-Cook relocated to London for work and spent time playing with the Millwall Lionesses of the FA Women's Premier League Southern Division. However, she noticed a difference in women's football to what she experienced back home.

"The acknowledgment and respect for women's football was very poor. It really annoyed me when I first moved over," she said.

But a change came when England came third at the 2015 World Cup in Canda.

"People really sat up and took notice of them. That was the turning point and I think it's just gone on from strength to strength since then," the 37-year-old said.

For the Matildas, after they made the quarterfinal in Canada fans back home also started to take more notice of the team. 

It only continued with the peak coming after they lifted the inaugural Tournament of Nations trophy, beating world No.1's the United States in the process.

While support and visibility for the Matildas has continued to soar, Ferguson-Cook believes the next step needs to be taken in France.

"I think the great thing about this World Cup is we're in with a really good chance we need to, get to a semi-final," she said.