Abbie McManus honoured to be a member of England's defensive unit in France

Friday 07 Jun 2019
Abbie McManus made her England debut against France in March last year

Being a Lioness means everything to me.

It’s really special to be a part of this World Cup squad and I feel lucky to be among the eight defenders Phil [Neville] has selected.

We’re all fighting for just four places but it’s not as if we don’t want our mate to do well; of course we want them to do well, especially if they’re going to help us win.

JOIN THE LIONESSES SUPPORTERS CLUB

If anything, I think we encourage each other and make each other better players because of it.

You’re not going to trample all over your team-mate just to give yourself a better chance of playing.

England's defenders train in Nice ahead of their World Cup opener against Scotland

It’s all about the team. The team always comes first and we will respect whatever back four – or five – Phil decides to pick.

But for me to play at the World Cup would be an unbelievable experience. It would make my family really proud.

KAREN BARDSLEY: THE GK UNIT

By Abbie McManus England and Manchester United defender