Women’s April 2024 International Round-Up
Six of Southampton FC Women’s players were called-up for their countries in the final international break of the season, including a milestone moment for goalkeeper Kayla Rendell.
Despite being initially selected for England's Under-23s, Rendell was drafted into the senior squad for the first time in her career as she became the first Saints player to be featured in England's senior Women's team.
She gained valuable experience with the squad as qualification for the 2025 Women's European Championships began for Sarina Wiegman's side.
Rendell watched from the bench as the Lionesses drew 1-1 with Sweden at Wembley Stadium, before they beat the Republic of Ireland 2-0 on the road.
Elsewhere in EUROs qualifying, Laura Rafferty captained her country once again as Northern Ireland took three points back home from Bosnia & Herzegovina with a 3-1 victory.
Rafferty played the entirety of her nation’s first two matches, as she also helped keep a clean sheet in a goalless draw with Malta.
Alice Griffiths also featured in qualifying, as she made her sixth international appearance for Wales as a late substitute in their 4-0 win over Croatia at Wrexham’s STōK Cae Ras Stadium.
She then watched from the bench in the second game as Cymru dominated Kosovo to earn maximum points from their opening qualifying games.
Rafferty (No. 6) lining up for Northern Ireland. (Photo: Northern Ireland)
Finally, at Under-23s level, the trio of Ella Morris, Lucia Kendall and Molly Pike were called up for their final camp of the season which included a friendly against Sweden.
Morris played the full 90 minutes and assisted England’s opening goal, teeing up Liverpool’s Missy Bo Kearns to set the Young Lionesses on their way to a 3-1 victory.
Kendall came off the bench in the closing stages as a late substitute, while Pike watched on from the sidelines at AFC Telford’s New Bucks Head Stadium.
Main image: Alice Griffiths (Photo: Ashley Crowden/FAW)
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