Everton’s Jess Park made a dream start to her England career by getting on the scoresheet after just 79 seconds of her debut for her first senior goal for the Lionesses against Japan.
England trashed the former world champions 4-0 in the friendly in Spain on Friday evening, the other three goals came from from Chloe Kelly, Rachel Daly and Ella Toone.
Park though stole the limelight. The 21-year-old scored in the 91st minute after coming on as a substitute just under two minutes before.
Ebony Salmon showed her pace and strength nudging Moeka Minami out of the way to win possession and set up the tap in for Park.
In her post match interview with ITV, the 21 year old said: “I’ve dreamed of this ever since I was a young girl. Now I’m here and it’s come true! My head has gone, I’m so happy. I don’t think there are any words to describe it. It’s just absolutely unbelievable.”
The Everton forward, on loan from Manchester City earned her first call up for the senior side in September after an impressive performance in the Merseyside Derby at Anfield. She stayed on the bench for the games against the United States and Czech Republic.
Photo: Hana Basir
This is not her first outing in an England shirt though, she has risen through the ranks of the youth teams, making a total of 32 appearances for the U17s and U19s and was named in team of the year at the 2018 U17 Euros.
The win takes The Lionesses’ unbeaten streak to 25 games, and they are now looking for the 26th straight win in the clash against Norway on Tuesday evening. Park, like the rest of her teammates then returns to club football where she will prepare to take on her parent club, Manchester City at home on 19th November.
