Becky Brand made a successful England debut thanks to the support of her auntie Jo.

The 15-year-old niece of the comedienne played full-back as she led her country to the Five National Under-17s Girls International title at Dumfries in Scotland.

The Hastings Town defender impressed as England defeated the Republic of Ireland 3-1, Northern Ireland 7-0 and favourites United States before being pipped 5-3 by Scotland.

Helenswood pupil Becky said: "My auntie is made up for me. She supports my football. She's a keen footie fan herself, following Crystal Palace.

"She phoned up my dad, who is her brother, to see how the internationals went.

"It certainly gave me a extra boost when I put the England shirt on to know how much support she and my whole family were giving me. My mum and dad were there to watch me."

Becky had a ball in Scotland.

She said: "I really enjoyed myself.

"I felt so proud to be representing my county, to put that shirt on, to hear the national anthem being played. It was the biggest few days of my life.

"I felt I did okay. I'm 5ft 5in and about average height in the team. We certainly tried to play a passing game and it seemed to work well, apart from in the Scotland match.

"There were some physical clashes too. It's not quite as dirty as the men's game can be, but it is certainly not as soft as some seem to think. Tempers do get lost and there can be sendings off.

"The best win was the one over America. They were the favourites and their senior side are world champions.

"Playing in front of a reasonable crowds, particularly when we played Scotland, was quite an experience.

"Women's football is treated with respect with the game affiliated to the FA. The internationals were treated very seriously, just like the men's games. They made sure we had proper preparation and enough relaxation in between matches.

"There are still little comments about females playing football, but attitudes have got a lot better."

She was recommended for trials by Peter Foster, coach to her previous team, Hastings and Bexhill Girls Youth.

"I had three trials all together and I'm delighted the selectors noticed me, although I was surprised I got a look in.

"I'm grateful to Peter and everybody else who has supported me with my football, like my primary school coach at Blacklands, Robert Upton."

Becky got into the game when she was nine through her family.

"They all played football so I thought I'd join in and found I liked it.

I was a bit of a tomboy then and I still love to play all sorts of sport. I enjoy basketball at school."

Becky now hopes for further England call-ups with internationals planned in Europe for July and October with a training camp in August.

Long-term there is the prospect of turning professional.

She said: "There is talk of a professional league in this country by 2004. I don't know yet what I want to do but that could be an opportunity."