Siobhan Chamberlain: ‘We can’t take our foot off the pedal’

Tuesday 13 Sep 2016
Siobhan Chamberlain made her England debut against Holland in 2004

Siobhan Chamberlain has urged her England team-mates to not ease up even though they have qualified for the European Championship.

Mark Sampson’s side sealed their place at next summer’s finals with two qualifiers remaining, against Estonia and Belgium.

The Lionesses have really put themselves on the map since finishing third at the World Cup last year.

England v Estonia

UEFA Women's Euro 2017
Group 7 qualifier
7.05pm BST, Thursday 15 September
Meadow Lane, Notts County
Tickets priced £7.50 adults, £3.50 children

They are fifth in the FIFA rankings and only Iceland and Germany have a better goal difference in this Euro qualifying campaign.

And given England’s progress over the last 18 months, Chamberlain realises they are now a scalp for every other nation.

She said: “Everyone that plays England now wants to get a result.

“Everyone ups their game so there are no easy matches anymore.

“We can't take our foot off the pedal.”

The Liverpool keeper also said her team-mates are all fighting for places for next summer.

Chamberlain added: “Whoever plays wants to prove that they are good enough to be on the pitch.

“Without wanting to look too far ahead, we all want to be selected for the Euros. Playing at major tournaments for your country is what every player wants to do.

“It's about making sure we put ourselves in the best position both individually and as a team.”

Chamberlain has been named in the squad for the last two qualifiers.

England entertain Estonia, who they defeated 8-0 last September, at Meadow Lane on Thursday 15 September before finishing up against Belgium five days later, a game that is likely to decide who finishes top of the group.

And the former Notts County keeper is expecting a raucous Lady Pies reception at her old stomping ground.

She said: “It will be fantastic. I'm sure everyone involved with the club and the people of Nottingham are really looking forward to hosting an England game.

“Notts County always get great support at their games. They're very passionate, very committed and very loyal.

“There are loads of Notts County players in the squad so the fans will be there to support their own but there's no doubt they will be supporting the rest of the team as well.

“I'm sure all the fans are looking forward to watching an England game at Meadow Lane.”

Tickets for the Estonia match are priced £7.50 for adults and £3.50 for children. A family ticket is available, via phone booking only, priced £15 (two adults and two children).

Tickets can be bought via TheFA.com/Tickets or by calling 0115 955 7210.

By Glenn Lavery