The 23 year old comes into the squad after Everton left-back Rachel Unitt withdrew through injury, still feeling the after effects of the ankle injury sustained in the 1-1 draw away to France last month.

On receiving the call this morning Laura said: “I stopped the car and called my parents and my boyfriend straight away. It’s a special time to be involved in women’s football after the squad qualified for the World Cup and like any player, my ambition is to be named in that squad.”

With 14 defeats in 14 previous games against the Germans, ‘Bass’ knows that The Three Lions will be up against it in Aalen, but admitted that the game would prove a realistic marker as to how far England have progressed since 2003.

“The Germans are always strong, fast, technically are very good and are able to run for ever. They’ve established themselves consistently as one of the best teams in the world, but if you aspire to be the best, as we do, you have to play the best, and beat them.”

Laura last came up against Germany for the U21s at the Nordic Cup this summer, a game which Germany won 3-2.

“It was a real end to end game and we didn’t really get going until the second half” said Laura. “Against teams of the calibre of Germany, you’re always going to struggle then, but I don’t think the girls will need any firing up next week.”

At club level this season Laura has benefited from the added stability at Birmingham City, after the club almost folded 12 months ago.

“Although we lost Karen [Carney] to Arsenal, we have brought in some good, talented players and we now have far more strength in depth.

“Our league form has been a bit up and down, but last weekend we played Arsenal in the League Cup. To be honest, you don’t want to be facing them that early in one of the knock-out competitions as they are a class side and don’t appear to have weaknesses anywhere.

“Although we lost 3-0, we competed well, played well in patches and gave ourselves the confidence that with a few more games together, we can give any side a run for their money.”

This weekend, the Blues are at home to Fulham, a club who have had their own struggles on and off the field this season. “I feel some sympathy for their situation as we were in the same boat last season” said Laura “but on Sunday we’ll be gunning for all three points.

"Outside of Arsenal, I think the league is getting more competitive, and if we can string a few results together, there’s no reason why we can’t be nearer the top half of the table, than the bottom.”