UpTION Parris is aiming to Ster the fans like her big pal

NIKITA PARRIS is English football. dining at the top table of

And she’s in good company alongside her friend Raheem Sterling. The Manchester City star celebrated his 50th England cap with the captain’s armband in the Nations League semifinal on Thursday, while Parris is in France charged with making a difference for the Lionesses at the World Cup.

Their friendship blossomed when her brother invited his mate around for some food – and it was strengthened last month when they both won Football Writers’ Player of the Year awards.

The Toxteth-born forward said: “We’ve been friends for many years, since he was playing at Liverpool in the academy.

“We’re about the same age – I’ve got a brother who’s about the same age as well.

“He came around one night for dinner.

But I’ve got no idea what we said or what we ate – it was a while ago now!

“He’s a great role model. People see him every day and he has to deal with it.

“I’m in a position where I can have an effect on young people as well. If they can take inspiration from me, that’s great.”

The Liverpudlian has just swapped Manchester City for European champions

Lyon and her own star is firmly on the rise.

Her pace and prowess in front of goal means head coach Phil Neville will be relying heavily on the striker.

After narrowly missing out on selection for Canada four years ago,

Parris is keen to make up for lost time.

She added: “Former boss Mark

Sampson brought me into the squad to be a training player.

“It was massively disappointing not to go but I respected Mark’s decision.”

Parris, 25, has enjoyed a stellar campaign, netting 19 goals in

Women’s Super

League.

She added:

“I’m in a great place, coming off the back of a good season. We have a lot of quality, lots of different talents and great depth.”

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