Sarina Wiegman's Lionesses side take on Northern Ireland in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley on Saturday; Chelsea forward England may have to be content with a place on the bench, having also been used as a substitute during the games with North Macedonia and Luxembourg last month
Wednesday 3 November 2021 11:32, UK
Beth England is eager to shake off her super-sub tag but says she is pleased to contribute in whatever way she can for her country ahead of Saturday's historic Lionesses fixture.
Sarina Wiegman's side take on Northern Ireland in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley, the first competitive England Women's international to be played at the stadium since it reopened in 2007.
Chelsea forward England may have to be content with a place on the bench, having also been used as a substitute during the games with North Macedonia and Luxembourg last month.
The 27-year-old scored in both fixtures and has also netted twice for her club off the bench this season, but insisted: "I don't think any player wants to be tagged as a super-sub.
"Ultimately we want to play every minute we can. I am obviously very happy and proud to contribute to the team because that is what we are here for. It is a team sport and any chance I get given I want to take.
"I think it is not a tag I would like to be known for but, again, if I am able to come on and can show I can impact and help the team, then it is never a bad thing, especially if I am scoring goals as well. I just wouldn't say on a personal preference it is my favourite thing to be called."
England is well aware of the competition she faces at Chelsea and with the Lionesses, with rival striker Ellen White close to becoming the country's leading goalscorer.
Manchester City forward White has found the net on 43 occasions for England and is three adrift of Kelly Smith's current all-time record.
While at WSL champions Chelsea, the former Doncaster Rovers Belles ace is battling with the likes of Pernille Harder and Sam Kerr for a starting berth in Emma Hayes' team.
But England added: "It is no secret our front line at Chelsea is a very difficult one to break into. We have some exceptional players at the club but for me, it is just great to be in and amongst these players every day because we all have our different strengths and all bring something different.
"Being able to train with such high-quality players is always going to enhance anyone's game, so I am lucky I am in a position where I get to train with them day in, day out.
"It is obviously tough. Every player wants to be playing every minute and when you look here at the likes of Ellen and everything she has achieved for the Lionesses, I think it is phenomenal and a big challenge for anyone to challenge that.
"All I can do is keep working hard and seeing which areas of my game I can improve on then hope when I get given a chance, I can do my job."
