Karen Bardsley

I've seen my share of bad goalkeeping, and I've had my moments. But I've seen some excellent goalkeeping as well.

That's what tournament football's all about. It's about finding your feet in the first game, finding what works, and gaining confidence.

Anyone that plays knows football is up and down. As much as you want to, you can't control everything. You take what positives you can.

I think the work ethic will take me wherever I want to go in life. It's my mindset that determines how, when, and if I'll get there.

I've lived all my life in the U.S., but to be brutally honest, I don't really have any ties to the country apart from my mum and dad. Most of the rest of my family live in the Stockport area, and I've always related more to that side of my background.

You try to do the right thing at the right time and make a good impression on people.

Beating the Germans for the first time in our history was massive.

Every time I step onto the field, I think of my parents. It's such an honor to represent them and my family.

I work best when I have a goal or direction to work towards.

When I was a kid, the women like Mia Hamm and Brandi Chastain were paving the way for female players in the States. Things like that are important so girls realise there is a future for them if they want to play. It is something they can aspire to, to be not just a hobby.

As a result of my upbringing, I was interested in reconnecting with my family and making them proud. Therefore, this emotional connection meant that representing England became a personal obsession.