Anouk Denton was in action for England U23s as they were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Spain U23s on Thursday evening.
The 21-year-old has been a regular for Gemma Coates' Young Lionesses during the past year, and started at left-back against Spain in what is the team's penultimate match of the 2024/25 campaign.
The home side took the lead at Murcia Stadium after just nine minutes as Lucia Corrales' cross took a heavy deflection off England defender Teyah Goldie and looped over goalkeeper Kayla Rendell.
Coates' team struggled to gain control in the game, and were 2-0 down before half-time. Ornella Maria Vignola did superbly to find some space inside the area before she tucked her shot away into the bottom corner.
Denton and her teammates made improvements after the interval, with Mia Enderby and Katie Robinson both going close with efforts from the flanks.
With five minutes of normal time remaining, a teasing cross from Georgia Mullet found the head of fellow substitute Isobel Goodwin, and she made no mistake from close range as England went in search of a leveller.
Despite late pressure, the Lionesses couldn't find an equaliser, and they will now turn their attention to Sunday's clash with Belgium U23s, which will also take place at Murcia Stadium at 12noon BST.
Denton has been nominated for the Young Player of the Year prize at the Women's Football Awards. You can vote for the defender and find out more information about the awards by clicking HERE!
