Arsenal’s Jordan Nobbs is willing to fight for her place in Phil Neville’s England World Cup squad although if he was to leave her at home he’d only show himself to be an idiot.

Nobbs was first called up for England in 2013 and with 53 caps to her name already, she will most likely play a key role at the tournament in France next year.

As they turn their focus towards preparations for the tournament, England will face Brazil in October at Meadow Lane. “It’s a chance for everyone to show what they can do,” said the 25-year-old midfielder. “It’s a team sport, so you want everyone to do well, but individually you want to impress as well.

“It’s probably the most depth we’ve had since I’ve been involved. When I came in as one of the young ones there was probably only me, Lucy Bronze and Toni Duggan, whereas now there are more than three younger players coming up; there are eight, nine, ten or 11 players coming through and fighting for places.

jordan nobbs england v wales
NEWPORT, WALES – AUGUST 31: Kayleigh Green of Wales slides in on Jordan Nobbs of England during the Women’s World Cup qualifier between Wales Women and England Women at Rodney Parade on August 31, 2018 in Newport, Wales. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

“There is definitely more growth in the game and Phil is giving players an opportunity to show what they can do.

“We don’t know what Phil is going to decide nearer the World Cup and what squad he’ll go with. It’s always exciting as a player and I like that pressure – I want to perform and get picked, so I think it’s crucial we’re playing well for our club and playing well in these friendlies.

“Right now, eight months before the World Cup, is not the be-all and end-all but we want to be performing and as players we have a lot of competition, so it’s time to show Phil what we can do.”

For Arsenal this season, Nobbs has five assists and two goals in five games. She has been an integral part of Joe Montemurro’s side that is riding high at the top of the WSL, four points ahead of City, and six ahead of Chelsea and Liverpool having won three out of three scoring 16 goals and conceding only three – all of which came in their most recent game against West Ham.