Lexi Potter has described her first senior England call-up as “very special”, while Erica Parkinson believes the growing pathway for young players is providing valuable opportunities to develop at international level.
Potter’s first senior England call-up came as a surprise to the Chelsea midfielder, despite an impressive start to the season which has seen her earn increased opportunities under Sonia Bompastor.
The youngster found out about her selection while at home and immediately went downstairs to tell her mother, who she revealed was “really proud” of her.
“I was really excited and obviously really grateful for the opportunity,” Potter reflected. “It’s something you work towards for a very long time. To get the call that you’re on camp, it’s obviously very special.”
Despite receiving increasing media attention for her performances at Chelsea, Potter insists she does not consider herself an established WSL player.
“I wouldn’t say established at all,” she insisted. “I’m really lucky to play alongside some world-class players. The WSL is a top league, so every opportunity that I have had, I’m just extremely grateful for.”
Potter’s rise has followed conversations with Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor during the summer, when the midfielder made it clear that she wanted to play as much as possible.
She admitted she did not expect to feature as regularly as she has so far this season but has been grateful for the trust placed in her, particularly given the level of competition for places in Chelsea’s midfield.
“I’ve been very grateful to have those opportunities and for her to trust me,” Potter added.
A New Role At Chelsea
One of the biggest developments in Potter’s game has been her transition into a deeper midfield role, with the position allowing Keira Walsh to operate further forward and have a greater influence on the game.
Potter believes giving Walsh the freedom to receive the ball and create is beneficial to Chelsea.
“I think any team plays its best when someone like Keira’s on the ball,” Potter explained. “She creates a lot. And yeah, she’s a top player. For me to just hold for her and get the ball to her as much as possible, I’m happy to do so.”
Potter has also highlighted Walsh’s influence away from the pitch, describing her as someone who has helped her settle into the England environment.
“She really looks after me, and she really tries to bring me out,” Potter revealed. “She’s really good off pitch, and then on pitch, I think she’s obviously a top player.”
Lucy Bronze has also been praised by Potter for regularly checking in on her and helping her gain confidence and feel comfortable around the senior squad.
Parkinson Returns To England
While Potter is experiencing her first senior camp, Parkinson is returning to the England setup after moving from Portugal to the NWSL.
Parkinson has enjoyed a strong start to life in the United States, earning regular minutes and going straight into the starting line-up.
“Honestly, I’m really enjoying it,” Parkinson explained. “It’s a great league, I think, and it’s growing every single year.”
The NWSL is set to expand by two teams in 2028, with Parkinson believing the increasing standard and number of opportunities for young players is making the league an increasingly attractive environment for development.
Her decision to move was driven largely by a desire for regular first-team football.
“My main objective at the moment as a young player is to get as much game time as I can,” she explained. I felt like the club that I chose and the league that I was going into was the best opportunity for me at doing that.”
Parkinson believes the move has been made easier by the environment around her, both on and off the pitch, as she continues to push for a place in the league playoffs with her club.
Missing Out On The Under-20 World Cup
Parkinson’s return to England comes after a difficult decision surrounding the Under-20 World Cup.
She had been involved with the squad throughout much of the preparation but ultimately remained with her club following a late change in circumstances caused by multiple team injuries.
“It’s been a dream of mine to play at a World Cup,” Parkinson admitted. “I was definitely torn, but I was still happy to see the girls and how they’ve been doing.”
Although missing the tournament was disappointing, Parkinson chose to focus on the opportunities she gained by remaining with her club.
“As a footballer, you’re always going to miss out on certain opportunities, and you just have to be grateful for the ones that you do get,” she acknowledged. “I was able to stay at club and get minutes there and get good games and good experience.”
Learning From The Senior Environment
Parkinson knows exactly what Potter is experiencing, having gone through her own first senior England camp earlier this year.
Her experience has allowed her to offer her own advice to Potter as she takes her first steps into the senior international environment.
“I know how Lexi feels because I was in the same shoes in April,” Parkinson reflected. “I think just being able to relate to her and some of maybe the worries she has, I think I’m able to help her somewhat with that.”
Both players have praised the welcoming atmosphere within the England camp, with the senior players and staff helping younger members settle in.
Parkinson believes one of the biggest lessons for young players is learning to maintain a balance away from football.
“I think just having good support, good family around you, people that you’re able to speak to, and having just good balance on and off the pitch is really important,” she emphasised.
For Potter, one of her biggest lessons has been learning to trust her own ability.
“Coming up through the academy at Chelsea and then coming into a team full of world-class players, sometimes you think, ‘Am I good enough to be here?’” she admitted. But just trusting in your ability that you are good enough to be here and if you weren’t, then you wouldn’t be.”
Wiegman’s Trust In Young Players
The pair also spoke positively about working under England manager Sarina Wiegman.
Parkinson highlighted the confidence that comes from knowing young players are being trusted at senior level.
England’s recent call-ups of emerging talent have provided encouragement that strong club performances can lead to international opportunities.
Parkinson also emphasised the importance of learning from the experienced players within the squad. She believes the balance between established internationals and emerging talent is important when preparing young players for the highest level.
“I think it is a very difficult balance to have as a coach,” Parkinson acknowledged. It depends on the games that you’re playing, the people and staff that you have around, and the culture.”
England Turn Attention To Greece
With the initial excitement surrounding the young call-ups now settling, England’s focus has turned towards their upcoming play-off fixtures against Greece.
The squad expects Greece to adopt a deep defensive approach, with England preparing to dominate possession and find ways through a well-organised defence.
Parkinson believes England must remain patient while continuing to play to their strengths.
“We are expecting them to try and lock up their own box and possibly play a lower defensive style of football,” she outlined.
“For us, that means that we just want to dominate with our performance, keeping possession, trying to unlock their box, and then get chances.”
The message from the England camp is therefore clear: respect the opposition, control the game and remain focused on the immediate objective.
While Potter’s senior debut may still be ahead of her, her call-up to the senior England team represents another significant step in a rapidly developing career.
The Chelsea midfielder insists she does not want to look too far into the future, but the pathway from academy football to the senior England squad is becoming increasingly visible, providing encouragement for young players willing to take their opportunities.
