Casey Stoney - International Career

International Career

Stoney came through England's under–age squads, making her debut for the senior side in August 2000 as a substitute against France. She was named in the provisional 30–player squad for Euro 2001 but did not make the final list of 20 and remained on the standby list. She made her first start in March 2002 against Norway, and, after spells in central defence and at right back, went on to become England's first choice left back. In February 2003 Stoney wore the captain's armband when regular skipper Karen Walker was substituted in a 1–0 friendly defeat to Italy. Her first senior international goal came as England beat Portugal 4–0 in the Algarve Cup in March 2005.

Stoney was named in the squad for Euro 2005, hosted in England, but remained unused as the hosts made a group stage exit. Her disappointment was such that she considered retiring from international football. But by the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup in China, Stoney, preferred to Rachel Unitt at left back, was one of four England players to play every minute of every match as they lost a quarter final 3–0 to the United States. Stoney won the Nationwide International Player of the Year award for the 2007–08 season, ahead of Anita Asante and Alex Scott. In May 2009, Stoney was one of the first 17 female players to be given central contracts by the Football Association (FA).

At the Euro 2009 final tournament in Finland, Stoney recovered from a red card in a 2–1 opening match defeat to Italy to help England reach the final. Stoney explained that for many players this was not only the best moment of their careers, but possibly the happiest moment in their lives.

Stoney started all four of England's games at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, and converted her kick in the quarter final penalty shootout defeat to France. When pregnant Faye White retired from international football in 2012, Hope Powell appointed Stoney as the new England captain. "It's an absolute honour, the biggest privilege I've ever been given," was Stoney's response.