"I'm lucky to be here" - England star ready to put World Cup pain behind her
Jordan Nobbs is relishing her role as an experienced member of the Lionesses squad ahead of their World Cup quest.
Despite being one of the most consistent midfielders over the last decade for England, 30-year-old Nobbs has only one World Cup finals appearance to her name. That came in a 2-1 win over Columbia in the 2015 group stage, England's third game at the tournament.
Nobbs had torn her hamstring only weeks before the competition and missed out on the majority of the run to the semi-finals. Four years later she wasn't even able to make the squad for the 2019 finals in France.
The Aston Villa and ex-Arsenal star was vice captain under previous manager Phil Neville. But she ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament during Arsenal's win over Everton the previous November and missed out, a similar fate to those suffered by former club teammates Beth Mead and Leah Williamson this time.
However, this time Nobbs is fit and raring to go, saying she is ready for selection should manager Sarina Wiegman require her.
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"I'm lucky really to be here, with the injuries, this is my fourth major tournament," said Nobbs. "So this was a big one I wanted to be at.
"I think when you miss something it makes you want it even more. So I am truly honoured to be part of such a successful team and be here to compete with the best.
Nobbs fine form since her move to Aston Villa earned her an England recall in February (Aston Villa)"I've got used to taking things (as a footballer) more day-by-day, rather than looking four or five weeks ahead. I want to just put myself in the best possible position for Sarina and for selection. It's weird because I remember when I was getting called up (to England) as a kid.
"Now I'm in the older category and naturally you take responsibility for certain situations because of your experiences. But on a whole we have a great group, so you don't need to have too many of those conversations with."
Nobbs also doesn't believe negotiations over Women's World Cup bonuses for the England side will prove a distraction to winning the tournament. Like teammate Lucy Bronze, Nobbs assured that the issue would not have any impact on performance at the finals, where the Lionesses are one of the favourites.
Jordan Nobbs of England reacts during a training session at St George's Park (Photo by Naomi Baker - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)"We have had similar conversations over the last however many years," revealed Nobbs. "It is just not everything is seen by the public. Together as a team now we are pausing the conversations to focus on the World Cup.
"We just want to keep growing the women's game. We have a different group of players and the game is growing all the time, so these negotiations are slightly different.
"But I think together, between players and the FA, we just are trying to reach the same path. It's not just about money, kit or facilities. There are so many areas we are trying to grown. Right now we are focused on the World Cup for sure. Whenever we can try and build the women's game we will push for that as a team."
Unlike at the Euros 12 months ago, England won't have the benefit of host nation support this time. The cost and time required to travel to Australia means many fans will be supporting the Lionesses from back home.
But Nobbs confirmed she will have family watching her from the stands and praised the warm reception given to the team since they arrived in Australia at the start of the month.
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"My Dad will be over for the second game (against Denmark) and my cousin lives in Melbourne. So he'll be over as well, it'll be nice to see him, he basically moved here and never came back and I can see why.
"It's a beautiful country and we've had great support to help with some of our families coming here."
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