Karen Bardsley is relishing lining up against the country she was born in when England host the United States tomorrow evening.

With time rapidly decreasing before England face France in their opening match of the World Cup, manager Mark Sampson’s side take on the two-time World Cup winners in Milton Keynes as preparations intensify.

However, despite being born in California, the Manchester City goalkeeper always knew which country she would represent, to the point where she would hound the Football Association to show interest as she plied her trade overseas.