Leicester City midfielder Ruby Mace said that she was lost for words after making her senior England debut against Switzerland last night.
The 21-year-old played the first 63 minutes of the international friendly match at Bramall Lane, helping the Lionesses to record a 1-0 victory in their final fixture of the calendar year.
When speaking to the media after the match, Mace dedicated her England debut to her mum whilst admitting that she was lost for words.
“It’s so important for me [to make my debut],” Mace said. “I’m a little bit lost for words but I’m so happy and I hope that I made my family proud.
“Some people see football as this massive high-life and don’t see the work that you have to put in to get here. Ultimately, I have to thank my coaches but the most important person to me is my mum, she’s always there for me and driving me around the country. I dedicate that to her tonight.”
England head coach Sarina Wiegman heavily rotated her starting line-up, giving starts to several inexperienced players. Mace said that it was beneficial to be playing alongside players that she knew well from the Under-23s.
She said “For sure, [it helps playing alongside other young players]. I think coming through all of the age groups with my friends and finally making it to the seniors helps a lot. You also have the senior players around you that are helping you along the way.”
Competition for places in the England midfield is high but Mace is ready to work hard for further opportunities at senior international level.
She said “I just need to be consistent, keep learning and developing. I’m not the finished article yet but hopefully, in the years to come, I can get there with hard work and dedication.”
England are back in action in February 2025 when they begin their latest UEFA Women’s Nations League campaign with fixtures against Portugal and Spain.
About The Author
Daniel Pentland
I am the editor and owner of the WSL Full-Time brand which I launched in 2018.
I am an accredited journalist with the FWA, SJA and AIPS. I have reported from various levels of men’s and women’s elite football since 2016.