Football has flowed in her veins since the age of five and now Wilmington student Ellie Perkins has been selected for the England squad.

Ellie, who already plays for Arsenal in the under- 17s ladies team, received the news after returning home from Wilmington Grammar School for Girls.

Her dad Chris had just received confirmation of her call up in an FA email sent to their home in Dartford Road, Farningham.

“I had only put my school bags down on the floor,” Ellie told the Messenger. “I was so happy but speechless. It’s such an honour.

“My programme is going to be really busy – school work, playing for Arsenal and now also attending England away camps every so often.

“My parents have been really supportive but I also want to thank my school for theirs, too, and also my PE and form tutor Sarah Rudd. She does push me when it comes to running and other sports.”

The two often do sprints together at lunch time with Miss Rudd timing her with a stopwatch and tracking her progress.

“She’s phenomenal and unbelievable balancing her level of commitment and managing her school work,” said Miss Rudd.

“She’s an outstanding student and others look up to her.”

Her praise is echoed by head teacher Donna Lodge: “We are all delighted Ellie has been recognised for her excellent sporting prowess and are very proud of her achievements.

“Like all top sportswomen, she is willing to put in the hours of training needed to keep her at the top of her game, but doesn’t allow it to get in the way of her academic studies, additional enrichment opportunities, or her relationships with others."

“Wilmington Grammar School for Girls’ students and staff will be cheering her on, and we expect to be continuing to do so for many years to come.”

Ellie has an ‘older’ twin brother Harry – just one minute separating them at birth - but football is not his cup of tea.

“Harry loves rugby - he plays for Dartfordians,” says Ellie. “He’s a winger.”