Andy Lamb spoke with Arsenal’s Alex Scott, who was named as part of Mark Sampson’s England World Cup squad on Monday.
AL: Alex, you are no stranger to international call ups but take me back to walking out at Wembley against Germany.
AS: It was amazing, every time I get the chance to put on an England shirt and play for my country it’s an amazing achievement. I love it, so to be able to walk out at the national stadium at Wembley in an England shirt was an amazing achievement and one that I will never forget.
AL: Just wish Jordan [Nobbs] had scored in the first 20″
AS: If only!
AL: What’s it like to play under Mark as a manager?
AS: Mark’s really an enthusiastic person about life in general and that translates onto the pitch when he’s coaching us. He has a real passion for the game and when you have a manager like that you want to do well for them. That’s what you’re seeing with this England team at the moment. He fills us with confidence and that’s what you are seeing on the pitch.
AL: The first two games are played in New Brunswick – this is close to Boston where you were at the Breakers with Kelly [Smith] – do you know the area?
AS: No, I wasn’t aware of it. Mark told us our plans and where the games were, so we knew in general terms but it sounds like a great community and I am glad that we have the additional game there and not just flying in and out. We get to embrace the community and people will welcome us, so I am really looking forward to it.
AL: During tournaments, how would you usually spend time away from the game?
AS: We like to get out, meet the people and experience the atmosphere. When you’re part of the World Cup, you see the banners in the streets and that festival atmosphere and you want to experience that as well. You don’t want to be saying I didn’t see anything, meet people or experience what I was a part of.
AL: How about the travelling fans, their support must be appreciated?
AS: We are really lucky as a national team to have a great backing and people follow us around the world and as a side we are really grateful for that
AL: Any feelings going into the tournament?
AS: I know this World Cup will be the best one yet. I have been training hard to make sure I am at my best and I really hope that this Women’s World Cup really puts women’s football on the map as I’m sure all eyes will be watching.
Alex’s adventures in Canada can be followed via @alexscott
Pictured – Alex Scott under pressure from Germany’s Simone Laudehr at Wembley Stadium. (tgsphoto.co.uk)
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