Some may view the latest Nations League 2-1 defeat of England by Spain as an ideal debut. For Aston Villa Women's Missy Bo Kearns, it was the culmination of a childhood goal. The midfielder's aim has been to achieve and play at the needed level as a professional to earn the call-up, and that opportunity was presented to her by Sarina Wiegman.
Able to play the entirety of the second half against one of the top national sides in the world, Kearns experienced the highest levels of international play from the opening moments during her first England cap.
It is less about the result or how the fixture played out. Instead, Kearns being a part of the preparations and seeing what the senior international training sessions are like firsthand will prove to be invaluable experience.
Achieved dreams can often come in various forms. While speaking with Sky Sports WSL, Kearns made it clear that the only aspect she was disappointed in was the final result. The build-up, being acclimated into the team, and earning the nod from Wiegman are all part of the experience for the Villa player away from her club.
Prospects on making Euro squad for Aston Villa Women player
It is a result that England will have to quickly address their mistakes from and improve upon, as the Lionesses have one final friendly against Jamaica on June 29th before the Euros in Switzerland start. When asked about the timing, the final decisions are set to be finalized soon in terms of the roster for the upcoming competition; the Villa midfielder responded:
"It means nothing. That squad is not announced yet. So, all I can do is do my best and do the job."
Kearns knows that this is a stepping stone into what she and Wiegman will hope is a long and successful international career for England. Many eagerly await Thursday's final rendering.
Regardless of who ends up being included on the list, Kearns has done well to earn a Nations League appearance and will continue to make Villa and England supporters alike proud.