Jessica Clarke

International career Clarke represented England at Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 level. She made her senior debut in March 2009, against South Africa in the Cyprus Cup, as a second-half substitute for Karen Carney. Clarke then scored in only her second appearance, the third goal in a 3–0 win over Scotland.

In August 2009 she was named in coach Hope Powell's squad for Euro 2009. Clarke made her first competitive start in the semi-final win over the Netherlands, as manager Hope Powell utilised the 20-year–old's pace and energy to tire the Dutch full–backs, before introducing substitute Karen Carney to decisive effect.

Clarke continued to be selected during England's 2011 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, contributing two goals in an 8–0 win over Malta. June 2012 saw Clarke named as one of four reserves to the 18-player Great Britain squad for the 2012 London Olympics. Her absence from the main squad was attributed to injury and loss of form.

After attending UEFA Women's Euro 2013 as a squad player, Clarke was overlooked by new head coach Mark Sampson for the first six months of his reign before being recalled in May 2014. Clarke was disappointed to be left out of England's squad for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, where they finished third. But she vowed to bounce back: "As an athlete you have to take those knocks. It is how you come back from it and learn from it."

Clarke was allotted 168 when the FA announced their legacy numbers scheme to honour the 50th anniversary of England’s inaugural international.

Personal life In addition to playing for Leeds Carnegie Ladies, in September 2009 Clarke enrolled at Leeds Metropolitan University as a student, along with teammates Carly Telford and Sue Smith. She had previously attended the FA Player Development Centre at Loughborough University. Clarke went to Grimes Dyke Primary School followed by John Smeaton High School in Leeds and was brought up by her single mother, Carol Stapleton.

Career statistics Scores and results list England's goal tally first. Date Venue Opponent Result Competition Scored 1 10 March 2009 Larnaca 3–0 Cyprus Cup 1 3 25 October 2009 Bloomfield Road, Blackpool 8–0 2011 FIFA World Cup Qual. 2 4 20 May 2010 Centenary Stadium, Ta' Qali 6–0 2011 FIFA World Cup Qual. 1 5 29 July 2010 Bescot Stadium, Walsall 3–0 2011 FIFA World Cup Qual. 1 6 2 April 2011 Brisbane Road, London 2–1 Friendly 1 7 1 July 2011 Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion, Dresden 2–1 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup 1 8 23 November 2011 Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster 2–0 2013 UEFA Championship Qual. 1 9 31 March 2012 Sajmište, Vrbovec 6–0 2013 UEFA Championship Qual. 1 10 6 March 2013 GSP Stadium, Nicosia, Cyprus 4–2 2013 Cyprus Cup 1 11 4 March 2015 GSZ Stadium, Larnaca, Cyprus 3–1 2015 Cyprus Cup 1