Mum-of-three
Katie Chapman admits being selected in the England squad for the 2015
Women’s World Cup in Canada is a 'fairytale'.
The Chelsea Ladies skipper was named in Mark Sampson’s 23-strong squad on
Monday after returning to the international fold in February’s friendly with
USA, following a five-year international absence.
The battle-hardened midfielder is delighted she will travel to her fifth
major tournament with England but insists it would not have been possible
without the support of her family.
“It’s a bit of fairytale,” Chapman told Sky Sports. “Having been in the
squad a long, long, time ago, to then come back in and get selected to go to
the World Cup is unbelievable.
“It means so much to me because I wasn’t sure if I’d ever be back here and
now I’ve been given a second chance to show what I can do for the squad.
“This is a dream come true, not just for me, but for my family as well
because they’ve always been right behind me.
“My husband has always been there to help and encourage me and without him I
wouldn’t be here. My eldest boy recently said to me ‘I’d love you to play in
the World Cup’, and I think it’s made their day that I’m actually now
finally here.”
Chapman, whose international exile came after a falling out with previous
England boss Hope Powell over childcare arrangements, believes she is a
player reborn since becoming a mother.
“It’s been difficult coming back,” she said.
“But having the time off when I’ve been pregnant and had my children has
given me a new lease of life and the hunger to come back and play again at a
high level.
“For me that break has been good and to have my kids there at games,
watching me and being proud of their mum playing football, is wonderful.
“I’m getting older now as well so it’s been nice to have the opportunity to
be around the squad and to get picked for the World Cup.
“It’s going to be a really tough tournament but we’ve got great quality in
this squad and hopefully we can go out there and do ourselves proud.”
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