Zelem: Everyone said I'm the worst person to sit with on a flight

The Lionesses are on their way to Australia — but Katie Zelem was not top of the list of people to sit next to. 

Zelem made Sarina Wiegman's World Cup squad after a fine season with Women's Super League runners-up Manchester United. 

Yet she was playfully identified as someone many of her England team-mates did not fancy being kept company by during the long flight to Oz — because she is a bit of a chatterbox. 

Speaking on the special departure edition of Lionesses: Down Under, the midfielder said: "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 flight and they all said me!"

Zelem took the revelation in good humour and Wiegman will hope her beaming smile becomes a familiar sight as England chase glory. 

While there may have been a shortage of volunteers to sit with her, the Manchester-born 27-year-old will be in demand when it comes to pumping out some music. 

She added: "I like to cater for the crowd. We have very diverse taste among the team. 

"When I go a bit too R&B I can hear people calling for the song to be changed but you can't please everyone!"

Having missed England's Euro 2022 success last summer, Zelem is determined to enjoy every minute of her World Cup experience. 

Recalling the day she was called up, she said: "I was sat staring at my phone for two hours. 

"I was actually that focused on staring at my phone that I was still in my pyjamas when Sarina rang me. 

"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."

England begin their World Cup campaign against Haiti on July 22. 

Presenter Kyle Walker and former England star Jill Scott will host a daily edition of Lionesses: Down Under throughout the World Cup.