Earlier this year, Jessica Naz became the first Tottenham Hotspur Women academy product to earn a call-up to the England women’s national team. Last night, she officially became a fully capped England international footballer.
Naz, a speedy forward for Spurs Women and graduate of Tottenham’s academy, was a second-half substitute for England manager Sarina Wiegman as England earned a 2-1 win over Ireland in EURO qualification. Naz replaced Alessia Russo in the 71st minute, and nearly scored right out of the gate, closing down the Ireland keeper and deflecting a clearance off the woodwork.
After the match, Naz shared a lovely moment with fellow England debutee and Chelsea striker Aggie Beever-Jones.
Naz called her debut “a dream come true” and it represents just how far she’s come over the past couple of seasons. She overcame a serious injury a couple of seasons ago that kept her out of Tottenham’s side for a full year and has turned into one of Spurs’ key players, scoring seven goals last season in WSL action and helping Tottenham Women reach their first ever FA Cup final. Now it looks like she could be part of the next wave of England women’s football stars. It’s awesome.
Congrats to Jess!