Arsenal’s Rachel Yankey has spoken out about how she wants to still play at the highest level, and is hoping for a place in England’s World Cup squad.
Yankey has not featured for the national side since Mark Sampson became coach in 2013.
The midfielder who has previously played in the last two World Cups, three European Championships and the 2012 Olympic Games for England and Great Britain, wants Mark Sampson to know that she is still available for selection.
She told the BBC: “I haven’t retired from international football and I haven’t been told that I’m definitely not playing, so I’ve got to look at it that I’ve got as much chance as any other player in the WSL.
“I’ve made it clear that I want to play for England. I still think I’m good enough, but that’s up to the manager.”
Having scored 19 times from 129 England appearances, Yankey’s experience at international level speaks for itself.
Liverpool’s Fara Williams is the only player to have earned more caps.
Yankey got her first cap back in 1997 at the age of 17 and from then on she became one of the most famous female footballers in the country.
Having spent most of her career at Arsenal she also enjoyed spells at Fulham, Birmingham City and in the US.
The 35-year-old has won countless amounts of trophies from her time with the Gunners but admitted she was shocked to be offered a two-year extension on her contact last January, after manager at the time Michelle Kerr, said her ability and experience would be invaluable.
Despite not being in the current squad, Yankey remains positive, and hopes the Lionesses will succeed in Canada – even if she isn’t joining them on the plane.
“The team that goes (to Canada), their job is to go and do well and hopefully push on women’s football in this country.
“Whether I’m a part of that or not, I’m still an England fan wanting everybody to do well. If I’m there – brilliant, and I’ll play as well as I can.”
