Dash’s Daly gets call-up to play for home team — England
Rachel Daly has made the quite the impression on Houston soccer fans in her early days with the Dash. It is the impression she made on an important group in her native England that is the talk of the town this week.
Daly on Wednesday was called up to join the national team for its European Qualifying matches against Serbia June 4 and June 7.
It is the rookie forward’s second call to the national team but the first time in which games will be played. She was invited to a training camp in 2014. The Dash rookie was ecstatic to get the call Wednesday morning.
“It’s always a thought in the back of my mind,” said Daly who has one goal and is third in the league with three assists. “The main aim is to play for your country. It’s the most proud moment of your life to step on the field for your country.”
Daly is one of seven Dash players who have been called into international duty following Friday’s league game against the Washington Spirit at BBVA Compass Stadium.
Janine Beckie and Allysha Chapman will join Canada for a pair of friendlies against Brazil June 4 and June 7. Andressa and Poliana will play for Brazil. Goalkeeper Lydia Williams will join Australia in two friendlies against New Zealand on the same days.
Morgan Brian and Carli Lloyd already have left the Dash to join the United States National Team. The Americans will play a pair of friendlies against Japan. Denise O’Sullivan could get a call soon to join Ireland for its upcoming European qualifiers against Finland and Montenegro.
While her Dash teammates will pay exhibitions, Daly hopes to make the lineup for two games that mean something. England is in second place in Group 7 of European qualifying. A pair of wins against Serbia would put it in control of the group.
“To get involved with the big games now and on a big stage is huge for me,” Daly said.
Daly’s intensity and level of physical quality are major attributes. She also is fearless in the box, willing to put her body in harm’s way.
Dash coach Randy Waldrum has been in contact with England coach Mark Sampson. Sampson has monitored Daly’s progress since first donning a Dash uniform in April.
Waldrum said Wednesday that after looking at the roster he believes she can do well and earn some playing time.
“They’re a good side, and they did really well in the World Cup,” Waldrum said. “Rachel is at the point where she can go in and make an impression. Hopefully this is the beginning of a really long, full team career for her.”