Everton forward Jess Park said she "hasn't stopped smiling" since scoring her first England goal just 79 seconds into her senior debut.
The 21-year-old, who is on loan from Manchester City, has been a standout performer for the Blues this season and her instant impact on Merseyside saw her earn her first senior international call up in September. Park joined up with England ahead of their clashes with the USA and the Czech Republic, however the attacker remained an unused substitute in both games and was inititally omitted from Sarina Wiegman's 25-player squad for the Lionesses' November fixtures against Japan and Norway.
However, after being called up to replace Chelsea's Fran Kirby, Park came off the bench in the 89th minute against Japan on Friday and helped to cap off a magnificient England performance that saw the Lionesses score four without reply at Murcia's Pinatar Arena football centre. Rachel Daly, Chloe Kelly and Ella Toone had already found the net to give England a comfortable lead against the former world champions, but Park's cameo was the icing on the cake as England extrended their unbeaten run to 25 games under Wiegman.
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“My first two senior camps have been absolutely unbelievable," Park told England's media team. "I don’t think words can actually describe how I feel. I’m so proud and honoured to have been able to represent my country and finally get some minutes as well so it’s been unbelievable.
Reflecting on her goal, Park said: "I was just thinking enjoy it because I’ve built to this moment for a long time in my career and it was the moment to just go out and enjoy it. We were already winning so (I had to) just play my game.
“I saw the ball go from Katie down the wing and Ebony (Salmon) carried on and I thought 'oh is she gonna get there' and she got there and I thought just get into the box and give her an option. I thought she was gonna shoot but she didn’t.
"She passed it and yeah she did all the work but I got the touch to score. It was just a bit of a whirlwind I was like, 'did that just happen?'. I was just so excited and proud and honoured to have represented my country and scored with my first, second touch.”
Park boasts an impressive goalscoring record for England at youth level, netting 24 goals in just 19 appearances for the Under-19s. She was also named in the UEFA Under-17 Championship Team of the Tournament back in 2018, with a string of impressive performances helping England to a fourth-place finish.
After Friday's game, Wiegman praised the 21-year-old's "determination" to get on the scoresheet, and the England boss could hand Park some more minutes when the Lionesses take on Norway on Tuesday night.
“Sarina spoke to me and she said I haven’t stopped smiling yet and she’s never seen me smile so much so I think she’s right," Park said. "I think my dad had a little tear or two which has been really nice. (My family) are proud of me and I’m glad I could make them proud."
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