England World Cup Preview: Casey Stoney

Casey Stoney, who lost the England captaincy when Mark Sampson took over and has played only one game in two years under him, says relief was her overriding emotion at being picked, calling it a tight call. At 33 she reports the best fitness testing results she has ever had, is in the shape of her life and believes she is playing some of the best football of her career. She has messaged every player left out to say she is there if they need to talk. Asked what England need to do, she is direct: something they have not done before, win a knock-out game and perform under pressure when it counts. She would love playing time but says she is there as a shoulder, and that thinking you can go over and just play your part would be very selfish.