Ahead of this summer’s 2017 UEFA Women’s Championships, Kick it Out attended England’s media afternoon to interview ambassadors Jordan Nobbs and Toni Duggan.

Nobbs, 24, has been at Arsenal since the summer of 2010 and quickly established herself as one of Europe’s best central midfielders.

Unsurprisingly, she has racked up a number of individual accolades, including Player of the Year for England while earning a place in the FA WSL’s Team of the Year too.

“I feel like I’ve been working hard and I think that’s been shown in my performances,” Nobbs stated during the interview.

“But I’m still learning and hopefully I can keep on improving. It’s definitely a good place for me to start, leading into the Euros.”

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Her memorable strikes against Manchester City and Switzerland for club and country have helped her stock rise with some deserved media attention, though she’s not driven by personal success and is instead focusing on helping Arsenal challenge Manchester City and Chelsea for the title.

After finishing third and unbeaten during the Spring Series, the midfielder admitted there’s room for improvement.

“We are disappointed that we’ve drawn games that we probably should have won. So even though we were unbeaten, in my eyes we need to be doing better and we want to be winning trophies.

“The difference now with the league is if you drop one point, it can literally take you from first to third. Whether it’s the start or end of the season, you can’t take any game for granted and you really need to get those wins when it matters.”

Now though, it’s time for a break from club level football. Nobbs is currently with England Lionesses on a warm-weather training camp in preparation for this summer’s tournament, where Mark Sampson’s side will be eager to improve upon a valiant third-place finish at the 2015 World Cup.

“We want to be in that final. We’ve prepared over the last few years and we’ve shown what we can do and how well we can play against some of the top teams in the world. We’re putting ourselves on that pedestal now.

“We want to push ourselves to that limit and we have real belief since Mark [Sampson] came in and pushed us as players to achieve what we can achieve.”

The expectation for England to do well is higher than ever after raising awareness in Women’s football across the country after the most recent international tournament. Jordan, just like Fara Williams and others, remains bullish about their chances of success.

“When you come third in the world, there’s naturally that pressure on you to then do well in the next tournament but I think we know that and I think it’s about time that us as players want that pressure. We want to be known and looked at as people who should be winning big games.”

Nobbs is understandably delighted that media coverage of Women’s football is gradually increasing over time, and should England succeed in another international tournament it’s likely that it will help raise the game’s profile even further.

“Since the World Cup, it’s changed massively. Even the support in the WSL has increased and when it comes to international level, it’s a massive stage for people to be role models and really promote the Women’s game again.

“The Euros are going to be a major stepping stone for the next big push of the media and the development of Women’s football. We’ve pushed it over the last few years and now is our time to do it again, but I think we’ve been really happy with the way it’s been developing.”

Her desire to help the Women’s game grow was a key factor behind the decision to become a Kick It Out ‘Next 20’ ambassador, a choice she has been happy to make.

“I think equality is so important,” Nobbs revealed. “We want everyone playing football or getting involved in a sport and I think the more we can promote that and have people enjoying it all over the world, I think we really need to push that.

“Whether that is us going to schools and encouraging them there or just making them feel comfortable to be able to join in and play, I think that’s the way we want to promote everything and be role models for them.”

Nobbs began the role of ‘Next 20’ ambassador in October 2013 and reflects on being asked to do it.

“It was an incredible thing for me to be asked to do and I was really grateful to be a part of it – it just opens your eyes to the world. I’ve really enjoyed being able to promote equality wherever I can and say that everyone has difficult times, but there are people here to support and help you with that. Don’t be afraid to speak up.

“I think Kick It Out have done a fantastic job. Even most girls football appearances I go to, there’s someone from Kick It Out there trying to promote equality.”

Jordan remains keen to help spark change in football as well as eradicating the ongoing issue surrounding sexism. “The more you can do media-wise to really get everything out there, the better,” Nobbs explained.

“Sometimes you can change the world by giving out a leaflet. A post on Twitter can create a big talking point, you can show videos of people, get people’s stories out there, the good and the bad.

“The more you can promote stories and encourage people to follow their dreams, with the proper support, I think that’s the way Kick It Out can become even more important.”

Nobbs will be hoping that her performances help inspire the next generation of aspiring youngsters, with next month’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2017 tournament just around the corner.

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