Ripon footballer in 'total shock' at being chosen to represent England
A Ripon Grammar School student has been selected to represent England in football.
Lottie Day, who signed a two-year contract with Sheffield United women's team this season, will wear the Three Lions shirt for the first time in her career.
The teenager, who lives between Ripon and Thirsk, is set to make her debut against Denmark in February.
She will join her England teammates at a five-day training camp at St George's Park, the home of all 23 of England's national football teams.
Lottie Day in action (Image: Ripon Grammar School)
Lottie said she was in 'total shock' at being chosen.
The schoolgirl added: "It has always been my dream to represent my country."
Lottie was one of hundreds of elite young footballers on the England Football Women's Under-16 Talent Pathway competing for just 20 national team places.
She said: "It is very competitive, with girls from the talent pathway, north and south of the country, all vying for a place."
An Arsenal fan, Lottie began playing football at the age of seven and is now 'obsessed with the game'.
Her ambition is to be a professional footballer.
'It's always been my dream' (Image: Ripon Grammar School)
She said: "After RGS, I would love to play for a top Women’s Super League team and my dream is to play for Arsenal."
A centre midfielder, she trains three times a week in addition to a Saturday match.
Lottie said: "I spend almost all my time on the pitch or in the car."
RGS director of sport Adam Milner said: "We are delighted for Lottie.
"She is a dedicated athlete who has worked hard to get to where she is, and this is hopefully the start of a very exciting international career."
She is particularly inspired by Arsenal footballer Beth Mead, who she spoke to online during lockdown.
Lottie added: "My York U12 club arranged a Zoom meeting with her and I was lucky enough to be picked to ask her some questions.
"We kept in contact after that and for Christmas that year she sent me a signed shirt.
"She has overcome many challenges, including injury, but now plays for the team I dream of playing for and won player of the tournament at Euro 22 for England when they won, which is why she is my inspiration.
"She never gave up."
Lottie is also a keen cross country runner, and plays hockey, cricket and competes in equestrian events for her school.
