Jill Scott knows patience pays as she is poised to finally win her 150th England cap in Tuesday’s friendly against Northern Ireland at St George’s Park.
The Lionesses have not played since March last year and the 34-year-old’s milestone has been a long time coming with games against Germany and Norway cancelled due to coronavirus.
“I said last time that good things come to those who wait and if you’re going to go on to achieve something that only two people in England have ever achieved then it’s not going to be easy,” Scott said.
It's been a while. 😏— Lionesses (@Lionesses) February 9, 2021
Only Fara Williams, who won 172 caps, has played more times for her country and Scott admitted it has been an anxious wait.
“I probably have felt a little bit anxious about it because the opportunity was coming up and you get excited and then it was taken away and then it’s coming up.
“So I’m just trying to keep focused on the next day as much as possible, make sure I don’t fall into any potholes when I’m out for a walk or anything like that, because I’m just thinking I hope nothing happens.”
Scott, who returned on loan to former club Everton from Manchester City last month, made her senior Lionesses debut against Holland in 2006.
“Whenever I pull on that England shirt it’s such a proud moment,” she said. “It’s so weird to be sitting here at 34, I can’t stress enough how I still feel like that 19-20-year-old kid going away with England again, it’s mad.”
When asked if Williams’ record was a realistic target, she said: “I don’t like to set goals too far ahead. I haven’t put a limit on when I’m going to finish playing yet, I still feel good.
“I can still run, so until the time comes when I can’t, or someone tells me I can’t, then that’s probably when that decision will be made.”
Former Norway midfielder Hege Riise, who won 188 caps, will take charge of her first game for the Lionesses as interim manager, with Netherlands boss Sarina Wiegman due to take over permanently in September.
Back together! 💪— Lionesses (@Lionesses) February 9, 2021
Riise was appointed in January following Phil Neville’s departure to become boss at David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
Scott added: “Sometimes you’re not everybody’s cup of tea. I’ve had managers in the past who have loved the work rate and the work ethic in the centre of the pitch, but then, I’ve had managers that have probably looked more at the technical side.
“But that’s football at the end of the day. I think I definitely can’t change now. If she (Riise) is looking at a left-footer then I’m definitely doomed.”
