Published 10 July 2023 3 min read
England Women's Senior Team
A Land Down Under, with Jordan Nobbs
In the first of our FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 series featuring different members of the England squad, we hear from Jordan Nobbs on her knowledge, experience and thoughts on the two host nations.
When I first used to think of Australia, it’d be the things like kangaroos, boomerangs, beach and surfing that would come to mind.
And in terms of what I’d see growing up, I remember programmes like ‘Neighbours’ and ‘Home and Away’ and of course, 'I'm a Celebrity...' which I still love now.
Before this World Cup, I hadn’t really been to Australia before, aside from a day trip when I was playing with England at the U17 World Cup in New Zealand back in 2008.
And what an experience that was! We were there for six or seven weeks, as we reached the semi-final and it was definitely one of the best experiences I've ever had. Alongside me in that group were players like Lucy Bronze, Rachel Daly and Lucy Staniforth, who are all here again now.
And in terms of what I’d see growing up, I remember programmes like ‘Neighbours’ and ‘Home and Away’ and of course, 'I'm a Celebrity...' which I still love now.
Before this World Cup, I hadn’t really been to Australia before, aside from a day trip when I was playing with England at the U17 World Cup in New Zealand back in 2008.
And what an experience that was! We were there for six or seven weeks, as we reached the semi-final and it was definitely one of the best experiences I've ever had. Alongside me in that group were players like Lucy Bronze, Rachel Daly and Lucy Staniforth, who are all here again now.
Even though we only visited Australia for one day, New Zealand felt similar in that it's so far away from home and absolutely beautiful, and I think if you asked anyone from that squad they'd all say how amazing it was.
In that tournament, we played in some big, amazing stadiums and at the time when you're young, that's like a dream.
And I remember we had a training pitch and looking over it was a zoo right on top of a hill so while we were training we could see and hear the gorillas that were in there, so it's moments like that when you think 'where would you ever get that playing football?'
We obviously had the experience of playing Australia in April, which was a good experience for us coming out here. They've got a really strong squad and they're known for their counter-attacking, fast and fiery football.
In that tournament, we played in some big, amazing stadiums and at the time when you're young, that's like a dream.
And I remember we had a training pitch and looking over it was a zoo right on top of a hill so while we were training we could see and hear the gorillas that were in there, so it's moments like that when you think 'where would you ever get that playing football?'
We obviously had the experience of playing Australia in April, which was a good experience for us coming out here. They've got a really strong squad and they're known for their counter-attacking, fast and fiery football.
When I was at Arsenal, I played with Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley and they're obviously top, top players who've been amazing for Arsenal and the Australian national team and of course, playing against Sam Kerr on a number of occasions too.
My goal all season has been to get into the squad for Australia. I left Arsenal to get more game time and at Aston Villa, I've been able to get more football and really been enjoying it.
So it's a dream for me to be here. That feeling of putting on an England shirt at a major tournament is incredible.
My goal all season has been to get into the squad for Australia. I left Arsenal to get more game time and at Aston Villa, I've been able to get more football and really been enjoying it.
So it's a dream for me to be here. That feeling of putting on an England shirt at a major tournament is incredible.
FIND OUT MORE: FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP 2023