14
Feb
Ripon grammar footballer shines on England debut
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A Ripon Grammar student has impressed on her England under-16s debut against Denmark.
Fifteen-year-old Lottie Day was named player of the match in a 2-1 win against the Scandinavian side.
The match was played at St George’s Park, which is England football’s training ground. It is home to all 23 of England’s national football teams, including the men’s and women’s first teams.
Lottie, a central midfielder, was asked to play at right back despite having never played there before.
The Sheffield United academy player was the only England player to complete the full 90 minutes.
A spokesperson for Ripon Grammar School said:
Despite never playing at right back before, she had an excellent game helping the team to a 2-1 win. She was also given player of the match and got to keep the pendant as a result which is now proudly displayed at home.
The Stray Ferret reported that Lottie was in ‘total shock’ when she was called up in January. Only 20 places were available to hundreds of competing players across the country.
This is not the first big leap in Lottie’s career. She signed a two-year deal with Sheffield United women’s team this season and has since been invited to train with their under-21 team.
After her selection in January, Ripon Grammar School’s 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.
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