Naz on Lionesses call-up: “I was in shock as I was not expecting a call”
Wed 15 May 2024, 15:00|
Tottenham Hotspur
Jess Naz has shared her pride upon receiving her maiden senior England call-up this week ahead of the international break in the summer.
The 23-year-old’s excellent season in Lilywhite was rewarded on Tuesday morning when Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman named Jess as one of the four players on standby in the 28-player squad ahead of their UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 qualifiers against France, Republic of Ireland and Sweden.
Our number seven has played in every single Barclays Women’s Super League games so far this season and scored six goals in all competitions in what has been her best return in a campaign during her career so far.
Recalling the surprise phone call from Wiegman to tell her the news, she said: “At first, I was in shock as I was not expecting a call from her! But it was just a moment of pride. We were speaking about the game on Sunday firstly and then how I have showed myself throughout the season.
“It’s a proud moment for me and my family as it’s something that I have been working towards and it’s nice to have received that call-up.
I will be with some of the best players in the world, so I will try to soak up everything I can.
“Having been involved in senior training before in the previous international break, the final one was the call-up to be involved in the senior set-up, so to have been in that environment already is good and makes it slightly more comfortable going in.”
The senior call-up is a reward for her fine run of form this season and Jess, who has featured regularly for her country at Under-23 level, spoke about the importance of taking her chance when presented with it and will look to replicate that with the Lionesses this summer.
“I have just been knuckling down and waiting for my opportunity and, when it came, it was about grabbing it with two hands, showcasing what I can and I just worked on everything. The main goal was to remain injury free, and this season has definitely helped me to build momentum.
“It’s a chance to show myself,” she added. “I will be with some of the best players in the world so I will try to soak up everything I can and it’s another learning experience for me, but I’m going to enjoy it as much as I can.”
Grace Clinton was also named in the squad as they face a double-header against France on Friday 31 May in Newcastle before travelling to St Etienne for the return fixture on Tuesday 4 June.
They will then host the Republic of Ireland at Norwich on Friday 12 July before rounding off the international window against Sweden in Gothenburg on Tuesday 16 July.
