Herbert takes another giant stride

Herbert takes another giant stride

An unbelievable three weeks last month climaxed with her representing England U21s in an international match, in which she scored a penalty flick.Having impressed for England U18s in the European Youth Tournament in Dublin, Herbert was invited to attend a training camp with the U21s and senior internationals.In Dublin, Herbert, who has just turned 17, showed great drive and imagination to steer the U18s to a bronze medal in what was a high-quality tournament.The JCG pupil, who won jointly the Rising Stars category of this year’s Channel Islands Sports Personality of the Year awards, played a full part in Dublin, playing in various positions across midfield in each of the five games.The tournament started with two relatively easy wins for England, 7-0 against France and 4-0 against Scotland, which meant England had qualified for the top four play-offs even before the game against old rivals Germany.That game turned out to be a curious affair.

Germany dominated the first half but scored only once and at the start of the second, a change of tactics to a much more attacking style paid dividends as England took the lead 2-1.However, an injury to the German goalkeeper as the second goal went in led to a lengthy delay of nearly 15 minutes and a chance for the German coaches to change tactics.

They then retaliated with four goals in almost as many minutes and a disappointed England eventually lost 6-2.The next match against the classy Dutch team was exciting and one in which Herbert showed real drive and imagination going forward.

The balance of the match see-sawed throughout the game and the final 3-3 scoreline reflected an entertaining game.In the final game against Spain in warm conditions England conceded an early goal to Spain’s senior World Cup player Correira, but equalised through Richards before half time.

Early in the second period England were awarded a penalty flick and the Jersey player was given the responsibility of taking it.

She scored with a well-taken flick to the ‘keeper’s left for her first goal at U18 international level.

England won the match 4-1 and in doing so they secured the bronze medal in the tournament – a feat which Herbert achieved in Rotterdam last year with the U16 team.Surprisingly, Germany lost to Holland in the final.

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