NATALIE CRINEAN flew out to Georgia this week as part of the England under-17s women’s football team competing in the European Championship qualifiers.

The 16-year-old from Sheerness, who plays for West Ham, will lead the attack for England as they face hosts Georgia, Russia and Slovakia.

Crinean made her England debut for the under-17s last month against Denmark.

The 10 group winners from the qualifiers and the six best second placed teams will compete in the next stage in April.

Her dad Alan said: “We got a phone call last week to say she was in the squad following her game against Denmark.

“She’s happy and excited about going, and a little nervous. I’m very happy she has been selected, it’s really good.”

The teenager started out playing for Swale Magpies and was also previously with Charlton under-16s.