Barring the two-week period in and around Christmas and the New Year when elite sport in Northern Ireland had to stop because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Shiels has been working with his players since last March.
“It’s been non stop apart from Boxing Day to maybe about the 9th of January.
“We’re back and at it again and the girls are really up for the new challenges that lie ahead so I thought ‘we’ll throw in England and see what happens’,” he joked.
The Euro play-offs draw will take place on 5 March with the two-legged ties scheduled between 5-14 April.
Northern Ireland’s opposition will be either Switzerland, Russia, Portugal, Ukraine or Czech Republic.
“They are all top drawer teams but we look forward to the games with some relish,” added the Northern Ireland boss.
“The most difficult opponent would probably be Switzerland who have a fantastic team but we can beat any of them.
“Russia will be difficult, Portugal, Ukraine, Czech Republic…they are all difficult but we are ready to meet that task head on.”
