Pics: The FA
By Tony Leighton
ARSENAL striker Danielle Carter has set her sights on being in the England squad at the 2017 Women’s European Championship finals after hitting a hat-trick on her international debut as Mark Sampson’s side beat Estonia 8-0 in the first of their qualifying group games.
The 22-year-old Carter, who had previously played at every youth level for the national team, made her mark with a goal after just 90 seconds and then struck another two in the closing six minutes of the game in Tallinn.
“I’d have been happy with one goal, even just getting my first cap,” said Carter, “but to get three goals and for the team to get such a good win was perfect.
“I’m over the moon, and now I want to be involved in all the games leading up to the Euro finals and then to be in the squad for the tournament itself.”
Danielle Carter in action for England U19s
Head coach Sampson was delighted with Carter’s contribution to a new-look England line-up that showed eight changes from the team’s previous outing, the 1-0 win against Germany in the World Cup third place play-off in July.
“We saw Dan grow in confidence throughout the game,” said Sampson. “Her movement was good, her ball security was good, and she was accurate in the penalty area which in international football is what makes the difference.”
Carter is aiming to continue impressing the England boss as the Euro qualifying campaign unfolds.
“I watched the World Cup finals on TV and wanted that to be me playing out there,” she said. “So hopefully, if I can keep my place in the squad and carry on scoring goals, I’ll have a part to play at the Euro finals.”
