20 Questions with Ria Bose & Vera Jones

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

RB: PS5 to play Fortnite!

VJ: PS5. We play Fortnite and Minecraft.

2 What is one luxury item you’re packing?

RB: As long as I have my PS5 and my phone! I guess clothes because if I don’t have enough, I’ll just crash out. I can’t re-wear, as well, so my suitcase is maxed out.

VJ: I think for me, my teddy. It’s a rabbit and it’s just called rabbit!

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

RB: I like face masks, hair mask, bonnet on, headphones on, watching a film, talking and playing cards with the people next to me. Just skincare maxing!

VJ: Headphones on, hood up. I’ll listen to music or I’ll watch a film. I listen to everything really but on the plane, it’ll be chill stuff.

4 Who do you usually sit with on the plane?

RB: I’d say Erica because she would be doing a face mask next to me with her bonnet on. She’d be sharing an AirPod and then occasionally talking.

VJ: Rachel Maltby. Me and Rachel just have little chats but we know that we just want to do our own thing, as well.

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

RB: Good mirror, good lighting and comfy beds!

VJ: Coffee or a balcony!

6 Who would be your roommate?

RB: I’m with Katie [Cox]!

VJ: I’d say Rachel again.

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

RB: Probably playing Fortnite. If we have a few hours, then we all would definitely go out, get coffee and do something together and maybe in the last hour before we have a meeting, we do our own thing.

VJ: I’d go for a coffee.

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

RB: I talk to everyone but I’m still on my own wavelength. Sometimes I’m talkative and willing to be weird with Vera [Jones] but then sometimes I’m socially silent with Chloe.

VJ: I’d say chilled and quiet.

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

RB: My dog. I have a French bulldog and her name is Lola.

VJ: I’ve got a mini-schnauzer called Mable.

10 What is your favourite meal to eat on camp?

RB: The wraps. I’d have chicken, lettuce, cucumber, sweet chili and sour cream. 

VJ: The wraps!

11 What is your pre-match routine?

RB: If it’s an early morning kick-off or even midday, there’s always pre-match and then a meal an hour or two hours before. I’ll just have protein.

VJ: I’ll always have pancakes. I just listen to music.

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

RB: House music. We all listen to the same kind of music in the changing room. Vera is the DJ.

VJ: House music – Rihanna. Just anything upbeat

13 What do you enjoy most about being on camp?

RB: I’d say the competition and the people because at club, you get leagues but you don’t get such big competitions in short time and you don’t see these people because we’re all in different places. You’re basically going on a trip with your best friends to a massive tournament.

VJ: It’s a good bunch of people and staff, as well. Because we don’t see each other that often, it is nice when we do come together.

14 What is your favourite memory representing England?

RB: I’d say when we beat France in the EUROs.

VJ: Mine is probably qualifying for the U17 World Cup when we beat Poland in the semi-final of the EUROs.

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

RB: When Michelle [Agyemang] scored the last-minute goals for England at the EUROs because that was such a surreal feeling because you support England but also it’s one of your best mates doing that.

VJ: Winning the EUROs [last year]. I was sat at home watching.

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

RB: Excited. I’m looking forward to the experience with these people, as well – it’s a good group to have going to a big tournament.

VJ: Excited and chilled, as well. Just looking forward to the experience.

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

RB: It’s just a privilege and I’m just grateful. No matter if it’s a friendly or if the stakes are higher, any international game, you always feel the same nerves and the same ambition to win.

VJ: I think every game is the same feeling.

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

RB: I was just coming back from padel and she just called me and said, ‘see you next week’.

VJ: I was out doing my food shop at M&S and she rang me.

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

RB: I’ve been to Poland. It’s a good culture. I’m looking forward to experiencing culture and the people.

VJ: I haven’t. I don’t know what to expect!

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

RB: Just enjoy it and have fun!

VJ: No regrets.