International Career
As a 16-year–old, Chapman was called into the England U–18 team, and captained her country at that level. Chapman made her senior debut for England at 17, during the 2001 UEFA Women's Championship qualification tournament, replacing Samantha Britton after 73 minutes of a 1–0 win over Switzerland in Bristol on 6 May 2000. Chapman's first senior start came in an 8–0 reverse to Norway in June 2000. Despite the score–line she was praised for her performance by Hope Powell. England qualified for the final tournament with Chapman named Player of the Match in the away leg of the play–off win over Ukraine.
At the 2001 UEFA Women's Championship finals, Chapman played in all three of England's games and was praised for her performances by UEFA and the victorious German coach Tina Theune-Meyer.
In March 2002 Chapman headed her first goal for England in a 4–1 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification win in the Netherlands. She was named FA International Player of the Year for 2002. Without Chapman – pregnant with her first child – England eventually failed to reach the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup after a play–off defeat to France.
Despite a hand injury, Chapman also played every minute of all three games for England at the 2005 UEFA Women's Championship, now featuring in midfield as she did at club level. Her initial appearances for the national team had come in central defence. At the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup Chapman started three matches, missing the group game against Argentina after picking up her second booking of the tournament during an impressive performance against Germany.
On Chapman's return to the team she scored two goals in a Cyprus Cup win over South Africa in March 2009. It was her first appearance for England since October 2007, due to the birth of her second child. In May 2009, Chapman was one of the first 17 female players to be given central contracts by the Football Association. She was an ever–present in midfield during England's run to the 2009 UEFA Women's Championship final. In 2010 Chapman was named FA International Player of the Year for the second time.
Ahead of a March 2011 friendly against United States, Chapman unexpectedly withdrew from the England squad and quit international football. The decision, related to Chapman's family commitments, was reported to have left England's World Cup preparations in disarray. Hope Powell praised Chapman as "a wonderful servant to England over the years".
Read more about this topic: Katie Chapman
Famous quotes containing the word career:
“They want to play at being mothers. So let them. Expressing tenderness in their own way will not prevent girls from enjoying a successful career in the future; indeed, the ability to nurture is as valuable a skill in the workplace as the ability to lead.”
—Anne Roiphe (20th century)