Lianne celebrates Alex Scott's goal in the 2-0 win over Hungary in May
Couldn't be more thrilled
By Alex Stone. Tuesday, 19 September 2006.
Arsenal striker Lianne Sanderson has been called-up by Hope Powell for England's crunch Women's World Cup qualifierr against France at the end of the month.
Lianne has been brought in to replace Charlton Athletic's unfortunate Jo Potter who damaged her lateral ankle ligaments in Sunday's 3-1 victory over Bristol Academy.
Lianne's one senior cap to-date was in the 2-0 victory over Hungary in Southampton in May, where she showed her goal threat by hammering the crossbar from 25 yards out shortly after coming off the bench.
Speaking to TheFA.com on Tuesday, Lianne said: "I got the call this afternoon and it was unbelievable. I couldn't be any more thrilled.
"To be involved in the build-up to such a big game is the highlight of my career and is also reward for the coaching staff at Arsenal who have developed my game since I was a kid."
The young Gunner has been in sparkling early season form and scored the single goal against Brondby on Sunday to secure Arsenal a quarter final berth in the UEFA Women's Cup.
Rachel Yankey has called the goal a contender for 'goal of the season' although Lianne was more modest.
"The ball went to 'Fleets' [Julie Fleeting] and she cut it back to me on the edge of the box. I hit it as hard as I could and it was one of those that you knew was going to go in as soon as you hit it.
"To win all three games and beat Brondby, who ended our UEFA Cup hopes last season was a great achievement for the whole squad."
Lianne's call-up brings to eight the number of Arsenal players in the England squad now, with the call-up capping a memorable last week for the 18 year old.
TheFA.com over the next week will bring you pre-match interviews with Hope Powell, Mary Phillip, Rachel Brown, Sue Smith and Eniola Aluko.
In the next 48 hours, TheFA.com will also bring you further ticketing information for the game in Rennes, following the French Football Federation's decision to allocate the upper tier of one stand for England fans.