20 Questions with Lily Dent

1) You're packing your suitcase for the World Cup. What is one essential item that you're packing?

My phone. I need that to call home and keep myself grounded.

2) What is one luxury item you’re packing?

Snacks!

3) You’re boarding the plane to Poland. How do you like to pass the time on a plane journey?

I've got into reading recently, a lot more. At the moment, I’m reading some rom-com which probably doesn’t match my personality very well. I also like reading an autobiography. A bit of music, as well, and then probably annoy whoever is sat next to me.

4) Who do you usually sit with on the plane?

I sat next to Chloe Sarwie on the way to America and she slept the whole way, so I just watched movies.

5) What is your favourite thing about staying in a hotel and what do you look for in a hotel?

Enough space in between the beds. We've been to Poland before and the beds were very close together, so ideally a room where you can move around a bit.

6) Who would be your roommate?

My roommate is at Eleanor Klinger. We've never roomed together before this camp, so we'll get to know each other really well, but I'm looking forward to it. She's lovely.

7) How do you spend your down-time on camp?

Call home, for sure. Call my friends from back home. It's quite consuming sometimes being on camp and you see the same people every single day, so it's nice to get a bit of separation from that.

8) What kind of character or personality would you say you are in the group?

I’d say I’m quite quiet, but maybe on pitch, very different. I like to be commanding and command high standards from the people around me but I think as a group, we're very good at that.

9) What do you miss most from home when you’re away?

I live away from home at home, so I would say my family. It's tough being away from home – I've done it since I was 16, so you do get used to it. But I think being away from my family, so that's why in my free time, I like to get on call with them just because it's important for me.

10) What is your favourite meal to eat on camp?

We have wraps and they are unreal. We have wraps almost every day.

11) What is your pre-match routine?

I’m quite chill. I don't like to do the same thing every time just in case I can’t do it. I have a coffee, listen to some music – that'll do me.

12) What genre of music do you listen to before a game? Do you have a favourite song or album?

I know a lot of the girls listen to straight house, but I like a little bit more of a chilled vibe, like Olivia Dean, Noah Kahan before a game and then once I’m in the changing room, then you can bump up the vibe a bit more, but definitely more chilled on the coach.

13) What do you enjoy most about being on camp?

Just being around the girls, being in such a high performing environment with so many great people. Everyone has a different story to tell, so it's nice to learn about everyone and come together as a group to try and achieve something – that's really special. 

14) What is your favourite memory representing England?

Round one qualifying for the EUROs, I scored my first goal to beat Italy 1-0. That was personally a really proud moment. And probably qualifying – I was injured when the girls qualified for the World Cup, but being able to be away from that but still share that moment, it was really special to me, to know that they were thinking about me back home.

15) What is your favourite memory following England as a fan?

I was at the EUROs final at Wembley. That was really special. What a moment to be at for women’s football in general. I went with my dad and some family friends. That was pretty insane for us to win the EUROs for the first time. I've got the winning goal on film, as well.

16) How would you describe how you’re feeling heading into the tournament?

I’m excited. We can definitely do something special. With the journey I've been on, it means a lot to me. Just being back in this environment anyway, I'm very grateful for it and I'm really proud of myself for the journey I've been on. 

17) How would you describe getting the opportunity to pull on an England shirt?

You never really get used to it. Sometimes you can take it for granted and maybe I've done that in the past, so this tournament, I want to remember every second and make sure I don't take this opportunity for granted because it's such a big moment in my life, but also for all of these girls and all of the staff are with us. We've worked towards it for so long. 

18) How did you receive news of the call-up?

Lydia [Bedford] called me and I was at training, so I had to take a minute. Everyone here knows the journey I've been on with my injuries, so it meant a lot for me. The way she summed up how I’ve worked hard to be back meant a lot and she knows me well enough to know what I needed in that moment.

19) Other than the tournament, what are you looking forward to when visiting Poland?

We’ve been to Poland before. It’s different to the UK but it's actually a really nice environment for us to learn and learn about the culture, but also once we're there, we put our football hats on.

20) What would your younger self have said to you right now?

Just go and enjoy it, remember every moment and don't take it for granted.