Laura Coombs has been backed to translate her red-hot Manchester City form onto the international stage after securing a shock return to the England fold.

The Gravesend-born star, 32, made her last international appearance back in 2015 and would be forgiven for assuming that her Lionesses career was over.

But the City midfielder was recently unveiled as a surprise selection in Sarina Wiegman's squad, joining Maidstone-born striker Alessia Russo and the other stars of England's Women's Euros triumph for the Arnold Clark Cup, a four-team invitational tournament featuring South Korea, Italy and Belgium.

England get the event under way tonight (Thursday) against South Korea at Stadium MK, kick-off 7.45pm.

Lionesses legend Fara Williams, who racked up a record 172 caps between 2001 and 2019, believes Coombs’ consistency held the key to her return and says her crucial experience can help England defend the trophy they won last year.

The 39-year-old said: "Given the fact that England need more midfielders and Laura Coombs has been one of the most consistent performers off the back end of last season and coming into now, her selection was absolutely not a surprise for me.

"I think she's somebody that was worthy of the call-up. I think what people could be surprised about it [is] that England have just won the Euros and will be looking to build for the future.

"Laura is now the oldest player in the squad so you would think they would look at a younger player instead.

"I think she's been key for Manchester City. Recently she's been coming into the game and providing some strong assists, mostly for Khadija (Bunny) Shaw.

"She has a major impact when she's playing in the game and so is warranted that opportunity to play for the national team.

"I'm really glad for her that Sarina has picked her and anyone watching Manchester City regularly will know how consistent she has been."

After their opener England face Italy on Sunday and Belgium on Wednesday. And with more than 70,000 tickets sold, Williams has faith that Coombs' experience can provide a new midfield threat for the Lionesses.

"I think she can bring a lot of goals in from midfield for this team," she added.

"She's a player that plays in a more advanced position and after losing that older experienced player in Jill Scott and Ellen White, Laura can bring that.

"It will take her time to settle into the team and the way they play but she's played in some top teams and she has a lot of energy and can score goals, whether that's from the back or charging into the box."

Coombs helped Manchester City to third in the Women's Super League table following their impressive 2-1 victory over Arsenal last weekend.

Gareth Taylor's side are now just three points behind leaders Manchester United, with Chelsea in the middle, and Williams indicated that a strong attacking presence is pivotal for City to challenge for the top.

"I think that if Manchester City can keep their front three performing the way that they are, with the likes of Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly and Bunny Shaw, they can challenge United and Chelsea," she said.

"It's taken time for them to replace Kiera Walsh and I think that Yui Hasegawa has done a great job in finding that place and making City tick.

"I think that since Gareth has put her in that position, City have really come on leaps and bounds."

Roar on the Lionesses in the Arnold Clark Cup, 16-22 February 2023. Last remaining tickets available at www.arnoldclarkcup.com