Sittingbourne schoolgirl footballer Deanna Cooper made her England debut against Germany last Wednesday, at the National Sports Centre, Bisham Abbey.

Despite it not going quite to plan (Deanna was knocked out during a 4-1 defeat), the former Kent captain returned for the second game on Friday, helping England to a 1-1 draw.

The 14-year-old, Fulston Manor pupil, was selected for the under-15s squad after scouts monitored her progress while she appeared for Gillingham Ladies.

Following a successful trial in September, the England under-19 development cricketer was invited to attend a four-day training camp at Lilleshall, where she was put through her paces, along with 29 others.

Then came a letter from England senior head coach Hope Powell, informing Deanna of her selection for the 2008/09 team.

"It's the highest honour in football to represent your country," said Deanna, who started playing the game aged seven for Swale Magpies, before progressing onto Woodstock girls, Anchorian under-16s and Gillignham under-16s.