FORMER Baxter College student Melissa Lawley has spoken of the “special” moment of making her England debut against France on Friday night.

The 23-year-old attacker, who moved from Birmingham City Ladies to Manchester City Women in the close season, made her first appearance for the senior Lionesses when she came off the bench to replace her idol, Karen Carney.

Despite the pair playing together many times for City, replacing her hero in a Three Lions shirt added extra significance to the occasion for Lawley.

She told The FA.com: “I’ve always looked up to Kaz. I was obviously been lucky enough to watch her up close when we were at Birmingham so I know how good she is. Everyone in the game knows how good she is.

“She is an idol of mine so to come on for her for my England debut made it that bit more special.

“It was an amazing feeling.”

Kidderminster-born Lawley has been in the England system since 2010, making her first start for the U17s against Armenia, before appearing for her country at U19, U20 and U23 level, earning a total of 37 youth team caps.

The majority of those came under England’s current interim head coach Mo Marley.

Lawley, who came on in the in the second half of the 1-0 defeat to France, added: “It was special that Mo brought me on for my debut because she has made a massive contribution to my development in the younger age groups.

“I felt sharp in training and I was ready, but I didn’t actually think I would get on. I obviously hoped I would, but I wasn’t expecting it.

“I think I did OK. I felt good and I created that chance for Jodie [Taylor], and I think I did all right defensively as well.

“France are a really good side. They’re on another level. But I felt I coped well.

“It’s only one cap and I’m delighted with it, but I obviously want to get more in the future.”