This week, I had the exciting opportunity to ask Southampton Women's player Ella Morris some questions after she scored her first goal for the England under-23s on international duty.
The 21-year-old defender has been representing the Lionesses since the age of 13, progressing from the under-15s all the way up to the under-23s squad. Over the last couple of years, she has become a vital figure in Southampton's women's team, earning Southampton Football Club’s Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season awards in 2020. On top of all this, she's also a Saints fan!
The full interview can be found below...
SFCB: "Ella, you’ve been at Southampton since the age of 14. Using only one word, how would you sum up your time at the club?"
Ella: "Progression. From a club perspective how the team has progressed up the leagues, but also how the club have invested more and more each year into the women’s game. Personally, each year I’ve felt I’ve progressed and improved too."
SFCB: "It must feel incredible to be representing the Young Lionesses at 21 years old. What advice would you give to all the young girls out there wishing to become a footballer like you one day?"
Ella: "I’d say the main thing said is always to work hard but I also think it’s so important to enjoy it. When you enjoy playing that’s when you get that self belief and confidence to perform at your best."
SFCB: "Could you guide me through your first England goal? It must have been an amazing feeling when the ball hit the back of the net."
Ella: "I just made eye contact with Ruby Mace [England teammate] and knew what she was thinking. It was a perfect ball over and I didn’t really have time to overthink which I think helped. I just thought about getting a clean contact on it so when it hit the back of the net it was a bit of shock but overall an amazing feeling."
SFCB: "What is the highlight of your football career in your opinion, a moment you would love to relive?"
Ella: "I’d love to relive the league match against Pompey a few years ago at St Mary’s. It was always a dream to play in the South Coast derby but to do it in front of so many fans with such a great atmosphere was incredible. We won 2-0 and secured the league title that night too which topped it all off."
SFCB: "What is a goal you have that you would like achieving by the end of the season?"
Ella: "A goal I’d like to achieve by the end of this season is to get promotion to the WSL [Women's Super League]. I’m focused on training and playing well and doing what I can to help the team secure this."
The right attitude, character and determination... she has it all!
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