Lexi Potter couldn’t have done more to prove that not only should she be in England’s World Cup squad next summer, but she could be in the starting XI.
It’s a big call for a player who has just broken into the England squad, but her 60-minute debut against Greece couldn’t have gone much better.
“It was really special,” said the Chelsea midfielder ITV Sport after the match. “I’m very happy and proud. It was a bit of a rush before the game and I lost my phone! I was a bit nervous but once I got on the pitch, I really enjoyed it.
“It was almost a dream come true. As a young girl, it’s what you dream of, to play for your country. To make my debut and to be able to start as well is very special.”
The 20-year-old grew up playing at the King Power Stadium. She destroyed attacks, showed her range of passing, allowed Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway and Lauren James to shine and even had a goal disallowed.
England’s next matches become progressively more difficult. Ukraine host in the final round of play-offs ahead of a Nations League campaign against three teams in and around the world’s top 20.
Potter, if he is to be believed, could have a chance to grow into England’s starting role by playing in important matches as well.
Not many players make their debut in their first international camp under Sarina Wiegman. The fact that Potter was chosen to start a game shows how much she is already impressing.
“You could see there were some nerves, but that’s totally normal,” Wiegman said ITV Sport of her midfielder after the game in Leicester. “We have already watched her and now she is a starter for Chelsea, she did very well.
“In our camp, she did really well straight away. Your first start for England, that’s a big moment, but you can tell the position she takes (that she was ready). She scored a goal which unfortunately was disallowed, but nice for her.”
Keira Walsh, Potter’s teammate at Chelsea, has also become her biggest artist. She has told anyone who will listen about the midfielder’s quality and potential.
Now the Lionesses have seen it firsthand on the practice field and in a competitive match.
With Potter on the field, Georgia Stanway played further forward and scored for England
England could take 26 players to the World Cup, a first in the women’s tournament. This means that six or seven midfielders will be part of the team.
With Walsh and Stanway secured, it’s a battle between Potter, Laura Blinkilde Brown, Erica Meg Parkinson, Ella Toone, Grace Clinton and Lucia Kendall for the other spots.
It is realistic one or two of them may be left behind. Toone and Clinton were on the sidelines watching the start of the international break before being called up as injury replacements.
Suddenly England have a load of options in a position that was once struggling for depth.
Potter praised by England teammates
Georgia Stanway THE Sky Sports News: “She’s a really good kid. It’s great to have her in the group. She’s calm, she’s laid-back, and she looks older than you think she is. She’s come in and it’s like she’s been here a really long time.”
Freya Godfrey – who also made her England debut on Tuesday – for Sky Sports News: “I can’t even explain it. We were in our hotel room earlier going through camera pictures with Erica (Meg Parkinson) and I came across a picture of me and Lex from 2022 at camp.
“To spend this night with her, I couldn’t be more proud of her and the season she’s had. She more than deserves it. To share it with someone as special as her, I grew up with her in the juniors and talking about it gives me chills.
England win 8-1 on aggregate against Greece in World Cup first round play-off
“Watching him come out and sing the national anthem, Erica and I felt very excited and proud of him.”
Jess Carter THE Sky Sports News: “She’s great. I remember playing with her when I was at Chelsea. It’s great to see her here and in this camp, she’s been great. She’s professional and definitely doesn’t look like she’s fresh here, so I’m really happy for her.”
Alessia Russo THE ITV Sport: “She’s been great in training. You can tell she’s ready for this level. She’s a great kid and wants to learn. She’s learned the best from Keira. She looks so confident and calm.”
