Stoney has been capped 89 times

Lincoln Ladies defender Casey Stoney says she is delighted by her selection for England's World Cup squad.

She told BBC Lincolnshire: "It's been a nervous wait to find out but it's the pinnacle of your career.

"I'm over the moon. There's no greater honour than walking out in a World Cup. It's what everyone dreams about."

Stoney's Lincoln team-mates Jess Clarke and Sophie Bradley are also in the squad to go to Germany but Sue Smith has been left out because of injury.

Stoney, who played in the 2007 tournament and is one of England's most experienced internationals, with 89 caps, added: "It's fantastic for Sophie and Jess because they're great young players, but my thoughts are with Sue.

"She's suffered two broken ribs and it's all about timing. I'm not sure that Hope [Powell, England manager] thinks she's ready to come back yet.

"The player that I know Sue is, she'll pick herself up and come back fighting but it's hard for her at the moment."

England's opening match at the World Cup is against Mexico in Wolfsburg at 1700 BST on Monday, 27 June.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version