Stanway: 'You can't do it without your teammates'

How does it feel to win the England women’s top goalscorer award with M&S Food?

"Very unexpected. I didn’t realise that until you just told me. Very honoured. Probably once-in-a-lifetime. You can’t do it alone. You can’t do it without your teammates – they’re as deserving of this as I am."

Did you have a feeling you might be up there in terms of how many goals you’ve scored?

"It didn’t even cross my mind. I genuinely didn’t even think about it. I’ll have to go back and calculate now!"

What was your favourite goal from last season for the Lionesses and why?

"Good question. My hat-trick comes under this at Wembley against China. I’d probably say that would be up there. There’s a few times where I’ve got two goals but I’ve never quite made it to three, so that was a really special moment getting my first England hat-trick. Also Ukraine away where it was more edge of the box, into the top corner, so I’d probably say those two. If I’m being totally honest, I can’t remember all of them!"

What do you think has made this season so successful for you in front of goal with your individual stats?

"Probably just taking chances, taking opportunities. The girls are also trusting in me taking those shots. I think I’ve played a lot higher up this year. We’ve played against a few more blocks which obviously gives you a lot of opportunity to be able to create and get shots off."

How much is contributing with goals a big part of your game?

"I wouldn’t say it was a massive part of my game. I’d say that anything in terms of creating, assisting, goalscoring is almost an added bonus but of course, you want to have those moments as an individual and as a team, you need to create as much as possible. I would also see my role as more of a creating phase, helping in the midfield, helping keeping the ball ticking between the lines and creating as much as possible."

You broke into the list of the Lionesses’ top ten all-time scorers. How do you sum up that achievement?

"That’s really special. Also statistically, 40 per cent are penalties but you have to score them, I guess! I’m super happy, super proud of that. It’s nice to be in and amongst the people that have created history."

It’s 33 goals in 93 appearances and counting for England. How pleased are you with that return?

"That’s not bad for a midfielder. I’ve played my fair share of positions. I’m super fortunate, super happy, super grateful for that."

Is the aim now to beat your own tally next season?

"I will do my very best, hopefully starting this camp!"