Grace Clinton on 'dream' debut for England | OneFootball

Grace Clinton was delighted to not only make her international debut on Friday night, but also score her first-ever senior goal for England.

Following some impressive performances throughout this season in Lilywhite, scoring five goals in 18 appearances, the midfielder was named in the squad by manager, Sarina Wiegman, for the third time after previously not featuring in the last two squads.

The 20-year-old has had to bide her time for her moment on the international stage and, when presented with the opportunity, she certainly didn’t disappoint.

Grace was handed her debut by Wiegman for their friendly against Austria and, with just 19 minutes on the clock, she netted her first-ever goal for the Lionesses as she rose highest to Lauren Hemp’s cross to guide her header into the bottom corner, doubling their advantage at the time.

She would go on to complete 61 minutes at the Nuevo Mirador, in Spain, as she impressed in their 7-2 victory over Austria.

Speaking to ITV following the game on Friday night, Grace said: “It's what dreams are made of, so I’m very happy. I have dreamt about that moment, scoring that goal, and I didn’t think it would be with my head, but I’m just absolutely buzzing.

“It was probably my biggest game of my career so far going into it, so for it to go like that, I’m very happy with it.  It’s a competitive squad with so many great players, and to be in and around them is an unbelievable experience and competing for places is what you want to be doing.”

Grace and the Lionesses are back in action on Tuesday evening (27 February) as they face Italy in another friendly while continuing their warm weather training camp in Spain.