The majority of players never get to meet their idol, let alone play alongside them – so Melissa Lawley feels extremely grateful every time she shares a pitch with England legend Karen Carney.
Lawley made her senior Lionesses debut against France on Friday night, coming off the bench for Carney.
The pair played together many times for Birmingham City, but replacing her hero in a Three Lions shirt added extra significance to the occasion.
Lawley explained: “I’ve always looked up to Kaz.
“I was obviously been lucky enough to watch her up close when we were at Birmingham so I know how good she is. Everyone in the game knows how good she is.
“She is an idol of mine so to come on for her for my England debut made it that bit more special.
“It was an amazing feeling.”
Lawley has been in the England system since 2010, when she made her bow for the U17s against Armenia.
She went on to represent her country at U19, U20 and U23 level, earning a total of 37 youth team caps, the majority of which came under the watchful gaze of England’s interim head coach Mo Marley.
Lawley added: “It was special that Mo brought me on for my debut because she has made a massive contribution to my development in the younger age groups.
“I felt sharp in training and I was ready, but I didn’t actually think I would get on. I obviously hoped I would, but I wasn’t expecting it.
“I think I did OK. I felt good and I created that chance for Jodie, and I think I did all right defensively as well.
“France are a really good side. They’re on another level. But I felt I coped well.
“It’s only one cap and I’m delighted with it, but I obviously want to get more in the future.”
