BIRMINGHAM City Ladies skipper Laura Bassett had something of a baptism of fire when she made her full England debut.

The Blues midfielder had only appeared as sub for Hope Powell's senior squad before the side's recent North American tour.

Bass was left out of the side who were mauled 6-0 by World Champions USA but Powell had promised all of her squad at least 45 minutes on the three game tour and handed Bassett two full appearances in friendlies against Canada.

Bassett, who plays in central defence for her country, made her first full appearance in the 4-0 defeat in Montreal and was given another chance to shine in the 4-0 loss to the hosts in Ottowa.

It was a disappointing week for England for whom the under 19s went down 1-0 in a friendly to Sweden.

Young hotshot Eni Aluko was Woman of the Match and was one of six Blues players in the junior starting eleven along with Faye Cardin, Michelle Hickmott, Jo Potter, Katy Ward and fit-again Jodie McGuckin.

Aluko has been nominated for the Women's FA Young Player of the Year and is hoping to scoop the accolade on Thursday night at the Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square, London.

It could be a double for the Redditch United tenants with coach Marcus Bignot nominated for the Manager of the Year award.