The secrets of silence

6

A few days later and it's time for the first match of the qualifiers against Latvia. They aren't a particularly strong side but they definitely have some potential in their wings.

We need to make sure we don't drop off too early on them.

—

The roar of the crowd filled the air as the England Lionesses took to the field for their Euro qualifiers match against Latvia. Excitement crackled in the atmosphere as fans eagerly awaited the kickoff, their anticipation tangible in the air.

As the starting lineup was announced, I couldn't help but feel a mix of nerves and excitement coursing through my veins. This was it – my first senior appearance for the England team could be today.

I had dreamed of this moment since I was a little girl, and now, standing on the sidelines in my Lionesses kit, it felt like a dream come true.

Mary Earps, Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson as captain, Millie Bright, Rachel Daly, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, Fran Kirby, Beth Mead, Lauren Hemp, and Ellen White lined up on the pitch, their determination evident in every stride they took.

I watched with bated breath as the match got underway, my heart pounding in my chest as I waited for my chance to join the action.

The first half passed in a blur of excitement and tension, with the Lionesses dominating possession and putting constant pressure on the Latvia defense. Goals flew in from all angles, with Ellen, Keira, Leah, and the rest of the team showcasing their incredible skill and talent with every strike.

As the halftime whistle blew, I took a deep breath, trying to calm the butterflies in my stomach. This was my moment – my chance to prove myself on the senior stage. I knew I had to make the most of it.

At the start of the second half, I watched from the sidelines as the game resumed, my eyes glued to the action on the pitch. Minutes ticked by, and with each passing moment, my anticipation grew.

Then, at the 60th minute mark, the moment I had been waiting for finally arrived. The coach signaled for a substitution, and I leaped to my feet, adrenaline coursing through my veins as I prepared to enter the game.

With a quick nod of encouragement from my teammates, I stepped onto the pitch, my heart pounding in my chest as I took my position in midfield. This was it – my senior debut for the England Lionesses.

"That's 18 year old Emma Jones making her first international appearance for the lionesses. Half an hour on the mark ready for her to prove herself to the world. Do you think she's got what it takes Alex?" Emma Byrne announces on commentary.

"Of course Emma, she's a talented youngster. I have no doubt she will work her magic today and hopefully produce a goal for us. This score line should hopefully ease the pressure for her today but I bet England are still keen on the clean sheet here." Alex Scott replies.

As the game resumed, I wasted no time in getting stuck in, eager to make an impact on the match. The ball came my way, and I controlled it with ease, weaving my way through the Latvia defense with skill and precision.

Suddenly, an opening appeared before me, and I saw my chance. With a burst of speed, I surged forward, the goal looming larger and larger with each passing second. I could hear the roar of the crowd growing louder in my ears as I closed in on the goal, my heart racing with excitement.

And then, with a swift strike of my foot, I sent the ball flying into the back of the net, the sound of the crowd erupting into cheers as the referee signaled for a goal. I had done it – I had scored on my senior debut for the England Lionesses.