Karen Carney says England’s participation in the Women’s U17 Euros will help the Young Lions’ development.
The tournament is being played at four grounds across the Midlands area – Chesterfield, Burton Albion, AFC Telford United and Hinckley – and it is the first time UEFA have staged this event outside of Switzerland.
Lois Fidler’s England team narrowly lost their opening group game to Italy on Tuesday, but Tournament Ambassador and senior team star Carney believes exposure to a tournament environment can only aid the players as they seek to progress through the different age groups.
Talking at a ‘Lego Friends’ event at St. George’s Park, Carney said: "I came through the ranks at U17 and U19 level so I know how important the pathway is.
"If we can get big crowds here to support the girls hopefully they’ll go on to achieve some success in this tournament."
All eight teams are staying at St. George’s Park, the new national football centre in Burton-on-Trent, and the opening round of group games was the culmination of almost two years’ planning and preparation by The FA and UEFA.
Tournament Manager Andy Carter added: "We are the first hosts [outside Switzerland] and we’re very privileged to be here."
England’s second Group A game is against Austria on Friday at Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium.
