Shropshire Star

Grace Smith's joy with England Under-17s

Bridgnorth football star Grace Smith is celebrating after helping England Under-17s qualify for the World Cup.

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The Young Lionesses beat Norway 2-1 in Belarus yesterday to finish third in the Women's Under-17 European Championships, thus guaranteeing their place in this year's tournament.

Former Oldbury Wells pupil Smith, who plays in defence or midfield, was an unused substitute as Niamh Charles scored twice in a third-place play-off.

Aston Villa player Smith is studying A-levels and made her England debut last year.

Senior Women's boss Mark Sampson said of the achievement: "Our England future Lionesses worked so hard to earn the right to compete at the World Cup."

Smith started two group stage games – scoring twice in a 12-0 battering of Belarus – and the 4-3 semi-final defeat to Germany.

The World Cup takes place in Jordan from September 30 to October 21.

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