Our Kiddo

You've got this

Over the first few days of camp, Evie settled in really well. All the girls loved their new addition and she got on with all of them. She was kind and funny and she kept them all on their toes in training. It was clear to every single one of them that she was not an incredible player but an incredible person.

Evie still liked to find comfort in Leah when things got a little overwhelming and Leah was proud of how well the youngster was doing.

Today they played Canada and for some reason Evie was in high panic mode. She may not even play but she was still freaking out. Her usual bubbly nature was gone and she spent the coach trip to the stadium staring out the window.

This didn't go unnoticed and Leah put a hand to her shoulder.

"Kiddo are you alright?" she asked, concern etched across her face.

"This is really big isn't it?" Evie replied, tears beginning to run down her face and her breathing becoming shallow.

"It doesn't need to be," Leah tried to reassure her as she lay in her arms.

"Really?" Evie asked tearfully.

"It's just football like any other match. You've been doing this since you were a kid. I know this is for your country but just focus on the basics. Kick the ball and you'll be fine."

Much to their surprise, Evie began to calm down. She took her advice in and realised that this was just a game. She could kick a ball. She knew she could.

There were people stood outside the ground. All of them cheered madly as they get off the bus and the support was very much appreciated.

Once they were in their training kit the girls headed out to warm up. Waves crashed in Evie's stomach like a roaring tide. She felt like she was going to throw up.

"It's quite scary, isn't it?" Less said as her and Ella stood next to her.

"Terrifying," Evie responded, her eyes wide in horror.

"You'll be okay. You've got us," Ella said before getting them a football and beginning to tap it round in a triangle. This did really relax her as Tooney kept them all in stitches and focus was taken off the crowds in the stands.

Their official game shirts were hung up around the dressing room. Evie admired hers with Warner 15 on the back. It made her feel proud that she was getting her big chance at 16. Not many people could say that.

The game started and Evie sat on the bench in between Lucy and Georgia. Sarina had said that Evie may come on, depending on what was needed in the game. A part of her hoped that she wouldn't be needed but she also wanted to make her debut. That would be exciting.

She knew that she could play up against grown adults and she wanted everyone to see it.

Around twenty minutes in, Millie scored. All of them on the bench celebrated like crazy and it felt as if they were fans, not people who could be called on at any minute.

Half time came and went and they were soon restarting. The only change that was made was Georgia for Ella. 15 minutes into the half and Canada equalised. It was frustrating and despite redoubling efforts to get another one, the plan wasn't working. They managed to concede a completely fluke of goal that made it 2-1 to the away team.

At the 65-minute mark, Sarina told Evie, Lucy and Nikita to go and do a final warm up.

"Shit. I don't think I can do this," Evie said as the three of them ran along to stretch their legs out.

"Evie. Don't be stupid. You're a brilliant player all you need to do is believe it," Lucy said. Those words stuck with her and they waited for the fourth official to sort out the board.