Potter and Parkinson fully focused

Lexi Potter and Erica Meg Parkinson have been buzzing to be around Sarina Wiegman’s squad this camp, following their recent call-ups for the World Cup play-off games with Greece.

Parkinson was handed her debut in the 3-1 first-leg win in Crete last Friday, while Chelsea midfielder Potter will be hoping to get a taste of the action in Tuesday’s second leg in Leicester.

Both players spoke to the official match programme for the game, about how they’re hoping to learn from the best to continue their journey with England

Congratulations on your call-ups to the Lionesses squad. Lexi, this is your first call-up and Erica your second… how did you both feel when you got the call? How did it happen?

Erica Meg Parkinson (EMP): I was with one of my friends at the time and I really wasn't expecting it. But, honestly, it feels like such a great achievement. It’s something I've been working towards for a long time and I was just really happy. I called my dad straight away and he was so excited for me.

Lexi Potter (LP): I was just at home in my room. When I got the call, I was really surprised, but obviously also really happy. I went downstairs, and I just told my mum.
She was really proud of me.

You’ve both been to St. George’s Park with England’s development teams, but does it feel different coming here as part of the senior set-up?

EMP: I definitely think the vibe is different. The environment is, well, it’s the top, you know, you're playing with the best players in the world. But I also think the WU23s have done a good job at integrating and putting in place certain principles and standards around the pitch that are similar to the senior team. In that respect, it doesn't feel completely alien.

LP: I’d agree with that, so you kind of feel used to the environment already. I think, as well, there's a few of the younger girls on camp who we’ve played with through the pathway and stuff, so it's nice to have a few younger people on camp.

When Sarina was announcing the squad, she'd mentioned both of you and how you've progressed in the last year. That must have been nice to hear?

EMP: Absolutely, but I mean just seeing Lex, I think she's doing amazing at Chelsea. She's getting so many minutes, and I know that's something she's wanted for a while, so it's good to see that.

LP: And for Erica as well, it's never easy moving to a different country or league and out of your comfort zone, but she’s smashing it and doing great too.

Erica, your journey through the pathway has been slightly different coming from Portugal, Singapore and now the US. How would you describe your route to get here?

EMP: It’s definitely a more unconventional route. I've never really played in the English system, so I think there's some adjusting to do whenever I come here. But there's so much I can learn because I play different styles of football in Portugal and now in the NWSL, so when I come to England there are certain things I need to adapt to and that just adds to my game. I think that's good.

Was there a moment in your development pathways where you kind of thought yourself actually, I think I probably could go to the senior level?

EMP: For me, that's never really been a thought because it's such a huge achievement to get here. And, like Lex, you just idolise these players. They're so talented and they've done so much for the game of women's football. Getting here is obviously an objective and something that you want to achieve, but I don't think you ever think, like, ‘oh, I belong there’. It's something that you just need to earn and hopefully the coaches see you playing on the pitch and what you can bring.

You come into the squad for an important pair of matches. How does that feel?

EMP: We’re really focused on these next two games in qualifying. I think everybody has the objective and the dream of going to the World Cup and getting England there. So, it's definitely an honour to be picked for this camp in the first place. As a young player, you do your best, but you come with no expectations.

LP: I don't really like to get too high or low in my emotions, so I think I'm quite neutral. I just need to keep working hard.  The things that they've [senior players] achieved are incredible, and to think that you might be able to potentially one day get your debut and play alongside them would be a really, really special moment.

You can read the full interview with the pair in the match programme, which will be available to buy on the night in Leicester or you can order a copy here.