Pattinson backs Seagulls team-mate Robinson to soar Down Under

Poppy Pattinson is backing Brighton team-mate Katie Robinson to make her mark during England's Women's World Cup bid.

A superb 2022-23 campaign with the Seagulls saw Robinson, 20, break into the Lionesses fold and earn her first five senior international caps.

The forward will hope to make her major tournament bow after sealing a place in Sarina Wiegman's 23-player squad for the showpiece in Australia and New Zealand.

And England Under-23s star Pattinson believes she fully deserves her place among the Euro 2022 winners.

Speaking exclusively to LiveScore, the 23-year-old said: "[I was] so happy for her. I obviously spend day to day with her on the training ground. 

"She was such a big influence in our team last season. I think she's well deserving of a call-up.

"She's a big threat for us and it shows that if you perform well for your club week in, week out you can definitely get a chance."

Tough competition

Aside from players from European clubs, Robinson is one of only two members of the squad who play for a side that finished outside the Women's Super League's top five last season.

That means breaking into the forward line ahead of the likes of Lauren James, Lauren Hemp and Chloe Kelly could be a tall order for the Brighton star.

But Pattinson believes her pal has the quality to make an important contribution.

She added: "If you look at how many games you play in tournament football in such a short space of time, I think the whole squad has a massive part to play.

"Everyone has a key role no matter if you start, come on or they're watching from the sidelines, everyone's got a key role.

"Hopefully she can make the most of that and I'm sure she will."

A fair crack

Pattinson believes Robinson's inclusion is proof that players from up and down the WSL can break into the senior squad — regardless of the stature of club they represent.

She said: "Katie's been given a chance after stepping up for Brighton. It inspires the rest of us to get that consistency in our game. 

"If we're helping our club week in, week out and doing well, hopefully we can get a chance. 

"We'll know Sarina is watching the whole of the league."

Personal aims

Pattinson believes a consistent season for Brighton, who finished 11th last term, could be key to her making her own inroads within Wiegman's Lionesses fold.

On her international ambitions, the former Sunderland, Manchester City and Everton left-back: "I wouldn't want to put a time limit on it. 

"Everyone's journey is different. I wouldn't put any pressure on myself.

"But that's the biggest aim and dream of mine. I work every day for that. 

"But I think it's just about working hard at club level first and taking every opportunity I can.

"Hopefully one day the call will come."