England footballer Lottie shines in Spain

RISING football star Lottie Day marked her 16th birthday in Spain where she was selected to represent her country against one of the best sides in the world.

Narrowly losing one-nil in searing temperatures of 31 degrees, the Ripon Grammar School student played right back for the Women’s England U17 team in Benidorm.

“It was a fantastic experience playing Spain, one of the best sides in the world. It was real challenge to compete against players a year older than us, but an amazing test as we prepare for the Euros and World Cup."

The Sheffield United academy central midfielder, who was also called up to fly out to play against Denmark and Norway during the summer holidays, celebrated her 16th birthday with her England team mates at their training camp in Alicante.

Lottie, who lives between Ripon and Thirsk, is an Arsenal fan, and began playing football when she was seven.

She confesses she is now obsessed with the game and her ambition is to be a professional footballer: “After RGS, I would love to play for a top Women’s Super League team and my dream is to play for Arsenal.”