Coombs: Making World Cup squad would be 'stuff of dreams'

Laura Coombs says it would be “the stuff of dreams” if her England renaissance continues with a place in the squad for this summer’s World Cup.

The Manchester City midfielder, 32, returned to the international fold when she was called up by Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman in February.

That was her first involvement since a training camp in 2020 under Phil Neville and she had not played for her country since winning the two caps she had to her name in 2015 under Mark Sampson.

Coombs subsequently played twice at the Arnold Clark Cup and was then included in Wiegman’s squad for April’s matches against Brazil and Australia, for which she was an unused substitute.

On the possibility of being part of the group for the World Cup campaign in Australia and New Zealand, which is due to be named a week on Wednesday, Coombs said: “It would be the stuff of dreams, to be honest.

“It would just make everything feel worthwhile up to this point and it was all for a reason.”

Coombs said shortly after her February recall that she had not given up on England before hearing from Wiegman but “didn’t really think about the international stage any more”, admitting it had been a shock.

On that subject, she added: “I felt, even though I was playing well, Sarina was maybe opting for a young squad, bringing players in with less experience and building for the future.

“So it was a surprise, but I was over the moon to be back involved, and to be back in an England kit has given me more motivation for the future, for sure.”

While 2022-23 has been a mixed bag for Gareth Taylor’s City, who look set to miss out on the Champions League places in the Women’s Super League, Coombs individually has had what she regards as the best season yet of her lengthy career.

The former Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool player said: “I think so. Obviously every season has highs and lows and I think maybe since Christmas I probably haven’t been quite as consistent as I would like.

“But definitely I’d say it’s my best season to date just in terms of minutes and influence on results and performances. I’m happy with it, I still would like some more goals and assists potentially next year, but I’m happy with the start.”