And so, after training, Denton travelled with the rest of Wiegman’s squad to Derby as they prepared to face Australia at Pride Park on Tuesday 28 October.
While she was not in the matchday squad, it was still an eye-opening experience for Denton, who watched her side run out 3-0 winners in front of a sold-out crowd. She was also congratulated on her call-up by her Hammers captain Katrina Gorry, who played the full 90 in the Matildas’ midfield.
“It was very similar to how it is in the U23s, the set-up and the warm-ups, but it was just cool being in the changing room, hearing the pre-match talk, and experiencing the game from a different perspective,” said Denton.
“My parents, my brother and my girlfriend came to the game in the family and friends section. They didn’t realise how nice it would be, they had a full three-course meal! My brother is a big women’s football fan, so he was a bit starstruck seeing all the players there.
“Lucia Kendall, one of my closest friends, made her debut that evening and had such a good game, so it was really fun watching her as well!
“It was a good sneak peek and taster into what it would be like [to consistently be in the first-team set-up], and 100 per cent I’d love to be back there. I’ll obviously keep working hard to make that happen.”