EASTLEIGH students trade College football team for England Stardom, as they help their nation qualify for Europe.

Barton Peveril Sixth Form College students Caitlin Smith and Ella Morris have both represented the England Women’s Football Team in their respective age categories this year.

Caitlin Smith has just returned from the first part of the UEFA European Championship Qualifiers in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where she competed in three matches to help England qualify for the UEFA European Championships in July 2020.

Here she faced opponents Croatia, Belgium and Bosnia and Herzegovina between 21st and 28th October, all of which the the Under 17 England squad beat comfortably.

Speaking on her achievement and the fixtures, the Chelsea FC and England Centre Back said: “It’s an honour to get a call up. I always look forward to meeting up with the Squad and cannot wait to continue our Euro campaign.”

Ella Morris has moved up an age category and is currently training with the Under 18 Squad after recently competing in the UEFA Women’s Under 17 Championship in Bulgaria earlier this year, where she started all three matches agaisnt Germany, Austria and Netherlands.

The Southampton FC Women's star said: “Every time I’m selected I feel instant excitement, I also feel very proud and honoured to play for England.”

Barton Peveril Director of Sport, Luke Hampton, praised both students: “Caitlin and Ella continue to impress us on and off the pitch, representing their clubs and country at such a high level. We’re excited to see how both their careers develop and look forward to hearing how the Squads get on in the next stage of the competition.”