Eni Aluko relaxed about England future
Sunday 25 February 2018 18:37, UK
Eni Aluko says she is open to playing for England again but has revealed she recently turned down a central contract.
The Chelsea Ladies striker has 102 caps and last played for the Lionesses, who are now managed by Phil Neville, in April 2016.
She was the subject of an apology from the Football Association last year after former coach Mark Sampson was adjudged to have used discriminatory language towards both her and Chelsea team-mate Drew Spence.
Since then she has been concentrating on her club career and has put England ambitions on the back-burner, for the time being at least.
She told Sky Sports News: "I felt personally for me I didn't want to necessarily be in contention for selection for personal reasons but now there has been a change of manager.
"I have spoken to Phil Neville, I had a great conversation with him.
"As I've said, he's opened doors to a lot of players, new players, and I think for me you know if I don't play for England again I am very proud of my England career."
Neville, who flew with his squad to the United States on Sunday for the SheBelieves Cup, says the door very much remains open for the 31-year-old to resume her international career and he would have no hesitation in picking her if she proves she is worthy of a place.
Aluko added: "I think in life sometimes you just have to be content and you have got to say 'right I am really proud of my career both on and off the pitch'.
"I've had a different role at Chelsea, I've been a squad player and I think for me if I was ever to be considered for England again, I'd want to be playing more regularly and scoring goals.
"That's the only basis I'd want to be picked on anyway, so I want to try and play more regularly, and when I have played this season I think I have performed well.
"I've scored five in 10 with four assists, so I'm performing well but I think it's about playing more regularly.
"If in the future I get picked for England again then great, but if not I am delighted with my career."
