Potter reflects on dream debut

Lexi Potter says making her England debut is a moment she’ll remember forever as she marked her first international appearance with a convincing 5-0 victory over Greece.

The young midfielder was handed a start at the King Power Stadium, where two goals apiece from Alessia Russo and Lauren James helped the Lionesses progress to round two of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 qualification play-off.

Georgia Stanway got the other goal for Sarina Wiegman’s side and Potter might have got in on the act herself, finding the back of the net on the stroke of half-time only for it to be ruled out for a foul in the build-up.

That did little to dampen the 20-year-old’s spirits, however, as she reflected with pride after achieving her childhood dream.

“It was really special,” she said.

“I was obviously very happy. I was a little bit nervous, but once we got on the pitch and started playing, I really enjoyed it.

“When you're a young girl, it's what you dream of playing for your country and to get my debut and then to be able to start as well.

“It was a really special moment I'll always remember.”

With Hannah Hampton, Keira Walsh and Lauren James in the starting line-up, there was a degree of familiarity for Potter as she took her first steps in a Lionesses’ shirt alongside her Chelsea team-mates.

Walsh, in particular, is someone the youngster enjoys lining up with in midfield and, having had her first taste of international football, she’s now keen to kick on and show what she can do in the senior set-up.

“She [Walsh] was really happy for me and I think having a player like her, obviously, at club and then being able to have her at country as well is really special.

“I'm really grateful for her. She makes me feel confident all the time and to play alongside her, I really enjoy it.

“I feel like there's more to come. It took a bit of time to grow into the game, but I felt like once I did, it was better and [there is] definitely more to come.”