Kelly Smith: I’ve more to give

Published: 18 July, 2013
by CATHERINE ETOE in LINKOPING

ARSENAL star Kelly Smith says she is ready to give the England team a boost if needed when they face France in a must-win game in the European Championships in Sweden tonight (Thursday).

A disappointing defeat and draw in the opening two matches has left dreams of a quarter-final berth hanging by a thread.

They must register a win over tournament favourites France but it is a big ask of a team that have not performed to full potential in Linkoping where a 3-2 defeat by Spain was followed a by a 1-1 draw with Russia on Monday.

Smith, who has been out of action for four months with a tibia injury, proved the catalyst in England’s recovery against Russia.

The 34-year-old came on for the last 12 minutes and set up fellow sub Toni Duggan to score the equaliser with the last kick of the game.

Smith says that even though she is still not 100 per cent fit, she would do the same if called upon. “I do feel  I could give a bit more, 20-30 minutes if needed, to come on and try and do the same thing again.”

Smith also said her Arsenal colleague Jordan Nobbs, who has yet to play in the tournament, could spur England against a talented French side.
“She’s a bundle of energy and really gets the team ticking in midfield, especially for Arsenal,” she said. “I think Jordan could make an impact, she’s been doing well in training and, having played club football with her, you know she always wants to make things happen.

“The youngsters are knocking on the door, and  a few players are sweating on the starting line-up for Thursday. I think there’ll be a changes.”

Kick off is 8.30pm with the game shown live on BBC3.