Cruft on ‘amazing’ World Cup experience

May Cruft is the youngest member of England’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup squad.

On the eve of her 17th birthday, the teenager started the Young Lionesses’ tournament opener in Poland against Canada – a game which England went on to draw 1-1 before rounding off the group stage by progressing to the knockouts.

“It was an amazing feeling,” said Cruft. “I obviously tried not to think about it too much and just focused on playing the best that I could.

“It's been an amazing experience so far. I think the experience of the group stage has been incredible.

“Being able to start in all the games has been so good for me, and the experiences I've got so far, I've really enjoyed, so hopefully I can keep that up in the next few games.

“Winning against Tanzania was an amazing experience and starting in the first game against Canada. I know we drew that game, but I think that was great for me. Starting in a World Cup is unreal.”

Following a draw with Canada, Lydia Bedford’s team beat Tanzania 5-1 before being narrowly beaten by Brazil, meaning the Young Lionesses placed second in Group B to book their place in the Round of 16.

“It’s not been smooth sailing in the group stage,” said Cruft.

“We've obviously wanted to win all those games and we haven't, but I think the lessons that we can learn from those games and the experiences that we've had will definitely help us going into the next few games.”

But what the midfielder – who began playing football from a young age with her twin brother – lacks in age, she more than makes up for in experience.

Cruft made her competitive debut for Rangers aged just 15, getting her first taste of senior football in September 2024 at Hampden Park. And since then, she has been playing for the Scottish club week in, week out for the last year.

“That’s been an amazing part of my development,” explained Cruft. “I think it's really helped me so much.

“I think taking all those experiences from playing senior minutes to now going into the World Cup has really helped me.”

The Young Lionesses face Nigeria on Thursday 17 September (2pm BST kick-off) as their World Cup journey continues and Cruft and her teammates are up for the challenge.

“I'm sure it will be a really tough game,” added Cruft. “We're all going to have to be on it 100%. 

“There's obviously no easy game here at the World Cup, and now the pressure is up because it's knockout. We'll just have to do our best, and I know that we'll be capable of winning that game.”