Brighton midfielder, Maisie Symonds believed that her maiden England Women’s senior call-up “was a scam” as she now prepares for next month’s camp.
April’s UEFA Women’s Nations League fixtures against Belgium will mark the first time that Symonds is part of England Women’s senior squad, following her call-up yesterday (25 March).
The 22 year-old though didn’t expect to be in the squad when Lionesses manager, Sarina Wiegman rang her up to give her the news, instead believing that she was being scammed following the Seagulls’ 3-2 Women’s Super League loss at Brighton.
“I had no energy and felt proper let down after the Leicester result,” explained Symonds. “When Sarina rang it came up as an unknown number and I thought it was a scam but I picked up and she said, “Hey Mais, I’d like you to come to the next camp!”
‘I was bit overwhelmed. I almost asked her “are you sure?” but that wouldn’t have filled her with much confidence! Then I thought I was going to be sick.
“I told my mum, and it sounded like she was having a panic attack then I told my dad and sister and brothers, and everyone was crying and crying. To be honest, it took me a bit of time to process it.
“But I’m buzzing and when the news came out on Tuesday everyone at the club was so pleased for me and it’s such a nice feeling to have everyone on my side.”
Symonds will be joined in the England squad by teammates, Fran Kirby and Nikita Parris, which she feels will be a huge help to her on her first international senior call-up.
“It’s great that Fran [Kirby] and Keets [Nikita Parris] are in the squad as well, they can tell me what to expect and look forward to but I can’t wait to go and see what it’s all about and try to impress and see what happens.”
