Dunia prepared to earn her spurs
Saturday, 02 April, 2011
Midfielder-cum-full-back believes she's still got a lot to learn.
England v USA
A Women’s International Match
8.10pm, Saturday 2 April 2011
Matchroom Stadium, Leyton Orient FC
Live on FATV
Tickets are priced £5 for adults and £2.50 for concessions
by Glenn Lavery
Dunia Susi is becoming something of a regular in the England Women’s set-up now, but the Enfield-born midfielder refuses to take her place in the squad for granted.
After making a number of appearances for the U19 and U23 teams, the Birmingham City Ladies star made her senior team bow in a friendly against Iceland in July 2009 and has gone on to earn a further 12 caps over the last 18 months.
She gained valuable experience when appearing three times during England’s World Cup qualifying campaign and put in some impressive displays from right-back at the beginning of the month in the Cyprus Cup.
But, as she and her team-mates prepare to take on USA at Matchroom Stadium later tonight, the 23-year-old says she still has a long way to go to nail down a permanent place in Hope Powell’s squad.
“I know I’ve still got a lot to improve on,” Susi admitted. “Full-back is a position I’m still learning, because I don’t play there for my club, but I thought I did OK there in Cyprus.
“I’m getting to know the girls more every time I’m in the squad, so I suppose I feel more at home, but I’ve still got a lot to do if I’m going to secure a regular place.”
The last time England faced USA was in the 2007 World Cup quarter final, with USA running out 3-0 winners, and Susi is relishing coming up against the two-time world champions and FIFA’s number one ranked side.
“It will be a good challenge and a good experience to play against one of the best teams in the world,” she said.
“It will be good to see where we are in comparison with them. They’ve won two World Cups and have been at the top of the women’s game for years now so it would be nice to think that we are closing the gap.”