Naomi Layzell has been seen training with the England senior squad in Spain at just 19-years-old as the squad prepare for their upcoming game against Italy in the Womens International Friendlies.
This is not the first time Layzell has played for country. She was last seen playing for the England youth teams two years ago in the Women’s Championship, she has now been seen training alongside the Lionesses.
All systems go for another challenge 💪 pic.twitter.com/DruntpfSip
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) February 27, 2024
The 19-year-old is managed by Emma Coates in the Under-23 squad, where she was told by Coates that she has been chosen to train with Weigman and her players in Marbella, the youngster did not hesistate at the chance.
“It was really exciting. Nerve-racking obviously, but I was really happy with the opportunity”, commented Layzel.
“It doesn’t come around every day and to play and train with some pf the best players in the world, you’re going to snatch at that chance if you can get it.”
She was a regular for Bristol City in the Women’s Championship, where she earned her promotion into the Womens Super League for the 2023-2024 season, which has now helped her to have a future in the England squad one day.
Further information here: https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/layzell-pens-first-professional-deal/
“If you asked me [in 2022], if I could see where I was now, I would never say that I could have had this opportunity”, said the Bristol City center-back.
“I came away thinking I gave a good account of myself. I probably wasn’t the best player on the pitch, naturally, but I came away thinking ‘they’re not going to think I’m rubbish’. That was the main thing.
“There were times when I was tackled, there were probably times when I got beaten, but it’s just about being up against these players. It’s the only way you’re going to learn and get better – by challenging yourself.
“All of those players have probably been in a similar position to me. It’s testament to them how far they’ve gone
“It just shows that, people like me in the under-23s, if we keep working at it, we’re persistent and keep taking these opportunities, then you never know where we could be in a few years’ time.”
She revealed that “The ball speed” is different when training with the senior squad. “The quality of the players is really high, and you can tell the difference. Sometimes ou might think: ‘Oh, I’m out of my depth.’ But then you’re like: ‘I’m here for a reason and I’ll just do what I can”.
She went on to explain, “Sarina and Emma work together a lot and they talk about styles of play and trying to get us to play in similar ways – using idfferent combinations and shapes and everything.
“It’s just about making sure that we can build consistency. But the Under-23 players are talented, adn we know a lot of the players could train up and fit in that senior environment”.
Coates has also worked with the 19-year-old in the Under-18s level. “Her development has just been so good,” says Coates. “This season everyone has been impressed with her defensive display.
“She is a proper defender, and it’s rare you find young players who love to defend. She has improved significantly in some of her in-possession stuff.
The youth manager continued, ““The fact she had that opportunity to step up for a session will do her confidence the world of good. She’s also competing against these players week-in, week-out [in the WSL].
“Sometimes it feels a little different when they’re in an England shirt. She’s probably now gone: ‘OK, I’ve felt what it’s like in the WSL, I’ve felt it in training with the seniors and now I’ve got real clarity on the stuff we’ve been doing and what will take me to the next level.’”
Coates closed the interview as she stated that the key to success for players like Layzell is “just being super individual. They need to be quite fearless in their appraoch to that.
“If you want exciting football then it’s about getting that individual to be the best they can be rather than moulding them into something specific”.
