'I was still in my pyjamas' - Manchester United captain Katie Zelem on England World Cup call-up

The 2023 Women’s World Cup kicks off in a matter of weeks and Manchester United skipper Kaite Zelem joins Sarina Wiegman and co. to Australia and New Zealand as part of the England Lionesses squad, wearing the number 20 shirt.

The 27-year-old makes her major tournament debut with seven caps under her belt and is yet to score on the international stage, since her senior debut in November 2021.

“We all got a FaceTime call. So I was sat, staring at my phone for two hours. I was actually so focused on staring at my phone that I was still in my pyjamas when Sarina rang me," Zelem told Lionesses: Down Under. “But at least they were nice pyjamas, I think she thought it was a new blouse!

“When she told me I was selected I was absolutely over the moon. As soon as I ended the call I rang my mum and dad and they were just so happy.”

Zelem has already earned silverware with England earlier in the year with an Arnold Clark Cup win over Italy, Belgium and the Korean Republic, but the step up to the World Cup stage demanded a monumental Lioness send-off.

Although it was a goalless tie between England and Portugal, the crowd turned out in the masses. Stadium MK for was a sell-out occasion in a grand send-off crowded with flags, signs and painted faces in the most earnest support.

“It was an amazing atmosphere. During the tournament, we're going to be a long way from home so we know it's going to be a little bit different. It was nice to see our fans and connect with them, and to see our family and friends at the last game in England,” added Zelem.

On Wednesday the team boarded the 23-hour flight Down Under, “I was absolutely fuming the other day. Everyone was doing a Q&A where they were asked who’s the worst person to sit next to on a