FROM “playing with the boys” at school to developing in the Aston Villa academy and eventually joining England’s leading women’s football club, Melissa Lawley has achieved a lot in her 23 years, writes Molly Hudson.

Since signing for Manchester City from Birmingham City, in December 2016, Lawley has seen an improvement in her game, matching the professionalism of a side currently fighting on all four fronts this season.

“It’s been a massive help, off the pitch and on the pitch, physically and mentally as well. Obviously, moving into such a professional environment with all the girls being so supportive and the amount of background staff there is to help me develop in every aspect of football, I think it’s pushing me on massively,” said the former Baxter College student.

Cementing her place on the international stage following her debut in a friendly with France in October 2017, Lawley has been selected for Phil Neville’s first England squad ahead of the She Believes Cup in March - a friendly competition where the Lionesses will face USA, Germany and France.

Lawley is excited to work with Neville, and has emphasized the ease of transition into the international set-up with teammates such as England captain Steph Houghton alongside her at Manchester City and her aims to help England dominate for years to come.

She said: “I think with Phil coming in, it will be a massive, positive influence to the team. I think we are capable of achieving those medals.

“It’s had a massive input. I think moving out my comfort zone at Birmingham City and all the development Manchester City have helped me with. It’s been a massive help.”

But Lawley’s rise to the highest echelons of women’s football has came at a time of personal tragedy, losing a childhood friend to testicular cancer. Marcus Davis played football with Lawley at school but was diagnosed with stage four testicular cancer on January 31st 2017, and passed away in January 2018.

Lawley is donating her debut England shirt to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust, after promising Marcus’ mum she would help to raise awareness of the disease and says she is overwhelmed by the support of her fans, particularly those at Manchester City that have donated and raised awareness for her campaign.

“I never thought we would raise as much as we have so far. The Manchester City fans have been brilliant, they are always there to cheer me on” she added.

Anyone wishing to donate can visit justgiving.com/fundraising/m-lawley.