By Hope Robinson (11/3/26)
Above: Poppy Pattinson for England against Ukraine Photo: London City Lionesses
Hope Robinson attended London City Lionesses’ media conference with England’s latest debutant, Poppy Pattinson, who faces Arsenal at Copperjax Community Stadium on Sunday at 11:55am in front of their first ever sold-out crowd. The 25-year-old spoke about her first experience with the Lionesses, her move to London City in the summer, and the challenge of facing one of the league’s strongest sides in front of a packed home crowd.
“Absolutely loved it”- Pattinson on England debut
After eight seasons competing in the Women’s Super League, Pattinson finally earned her first senior England appearance, a moment she described as the culmination of years of persistence.
“Absolutely loved it. I want to be a part of it in the long run,” Pattinson said. “I got on with everyone really well and I’m happy all around.”
The defender admitted the experience of being around the Lionesses squad reinforced just how special the environment is.
“It was amazing. I had the best 12 days away with the team,” she explained. “I know a lot of the girls coming through the age groups and being around them in the WSL. The quality of training is amazing. You can really see it’s a special group and a special team that are really going to be the best.”
Pattinson also shared the significance of making her debut alongside a familiar face.
“I came on at half time with Esme Morgan. We spent a lot of time in the youth age groups together, so it was really nice to get that moment with her.”
From injury setback to international recognition
The call up came shortly after Pattinson had overcome a difficult spell earlier in the season following injury.
“When I got injured at the start of the season it really hit hard,” Pattinson admitted. “I haven’t had to deal with a setback like that.”
Rather than allowing the setback to stall her progress, she used the recovery period as motivation.
“I used that as a real chance to do something different and come back and really make my impact. I played five games and then got the call up.”
Looking back on the journey that led to her debut, Pattinson reflected on the long road she has travelled since she started playing.
“Over the last two weeks I’ve put my whole emotions from being eight years old into perspective until now at 25,” she said. “In youth football you feel so close at times and so far away at others.”
“I always hoped and dreamed and never gave up on that. It wasn’t in my mind that after five games back fit I would be making my debut.”
Establishing herself at England left back
Competition for places within England’s defence remains fierce, but Pattinson is determined to establish herself in the squad.
“I’m happy to get the recognition now,” she said. “As a player the goal is to stay there and make that position my own.”
“The quality of players competing there is very high. We can keep pushing each other to keep the quality high. I’ll keep my head down and hopefully it can happen.”
Pattinson believes the pathway through England’s youth system prepared her well for the step up to senior level.
“The pathway creates an environment where you’re ready for the seniors when your time comes,” she said. “On the pitch they want to play the same style. The quality of the seniors is huge and you can only grow and develop from that.”
A pivotal season with London City
This season has also marked an important chapter in Pattinson’s club career after her move to London City Lionesses in the summer.
“It’s huge,” she said. “Receiving the debut and signing for the club in the summer is a big part of my career and something I’ve worked so hard for.”
“There are special players in this league and I’m super grateful to be part of such a talented team here at London City. We have some great players and it’s only going to get better as we start to work together. The connections on the pitch are still building.”
She believes the club are moving steadily towards their ambitions.
“We’re going in the right direction. You can’t win trophies overnight, you have to build the structure,” Pattinson said. “We have a great group and I’m sure there will be more additions. Each department is really working on their strengths and I’m sure there are big things to come.”
“All of us are new and trying to build something together, so it’s super important. It’s like a family.”
Tactical growth under a new manager
Pattinson also highlighted the role of the club’s manager in helping her develop since returning from injury.
“The timing was when I was getting back fit,” she explained. “It was a fresh start with someone who had never seen me before, but he trusted me to start games.”
“He’s a very tactical coach and as a player I like to solve problems.”
After eight seasons in the Women’s Super League, Pattinson takes pride in maintaining her standards at the top level.
“I’m very proud of that,” she said. “But there are a lot of people with a lot of caps in this league. I’m sure there’s a lot more to talk about than just me.”
The impact of a rare left foot
One of Pattinson’s defining attributes as a defender is her natural left foot, something she believes can provide a unique advantage.
“Of course it’s a great strength,” she said. “It’s quite a rare quality in teams because there aren’t a lot of left footed players.”
“I just want to use it as a superpower, delivering left footed crosses into the box and creating chances.”
However, she also acknowledged there are still aspects of her game she wants to improve.
“My decision making in certain moments can improve,” she said. “There are always more decisions to make.”
Preparing for a sold out clash with Arsenal
Attention now turns to Sunday’s home match against Arsenal, which will be played in front of a sold out crowd.
“We’re so happy about that,” Pattinson said. “It can make a huge difference.”
“From recent performances against big teams it really helps. It can change momentum and swing it in our favour.”
“The sell out is huge and we are all really excited for it.”
Despite the scale of the occasion, Pattinson insists the squad are focused on delivering a strong performance.
“We’re definitely going to go for it,” she said. “It’s a huge moment and we just want to put on a big performance.”
“We want to perform well and enjoy playing at this level.”
Learning from defeat and building identity
London City will enter the Arsenal match looking to respond after a difficult result against Tottenham in their previous fixture.
“That game was a tough defeat,” Pattinson admitted. “But overall it was a good game.”
“We really showed what we’ve learned and built in and out of possession. We’re trying to create a clear identity and put on performances the crowd will enjoy.”
A message to the next generation
Having experienced both the highs and lows of her career journey, Pattinson hopes her story can inspire younger players chasing the same dream.
“Everyone’s path to the top is different,” she said. “My story shows you never know when it can come.”
“I had to go to my biggest low with the injury and then come back to my highest high.”
Her advice to those aiming for senior England recognition remains simple.
“Enjoy the journey,” Pattinson said. “Be yourself and never give up.”
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