Prolific Katie’s in the goals

Katie Zelem

KATIE Zelem is a roaring success for the Three Lions of England.

The Blue Coat pupil (16) is getting her teenage kicks for the under-17s women’s side and boasts an impressive return of four goals in her last three internationals.

A brace in the 4-1 win against Israel was followed by solitary strikes in the 2-1 victory over Northern Ireland and 4-2 triumph at the expense of Finland.

All three were vital World Cup qualifying fixtures, held in Belfast.

England topped their mini-league and advanced to the second group stage, to be contested next spring.

Failsworth-based Katie, who also represents Manchester United’s centre of excellence, has emerged as one of her country’s star performers.

Similarly-excellent form in the remaining qualifiers, which culminate in semi-finals and a final in Switzerland in June, will surely earn her a seat on the plane to the World Cup in Azerbaijan in September.

Mum Gill said: “Katie is really enjoying her football at the moment and is on a great run for England.

“She wants to keep making a good impression, starting with a friendly against Denmark at the end of this month.

“The competition is fierce at international level. Germany and Spain are usually the teams to beat but just reaching the World Cup finals would be a fabulous achievement.”

Katie is successfully juggling a hectic sporting schedule with her GCSE revision. Her long-term sights are set on studying sports science at sixth form.

Her new position for club and country is an advanced role in central midfield — similar to the job Wayne Rooney has been given at United.

Gill added: “If only she earned the same sort of money as Rooney, that would be nice!

“Joking aside, she enjoys the role and sees plenty of the ball there.

“There is a big year coming up at Blue Coat as the GCSEs get into full swing, but Katie is not distracted by the football.

“Likewise, her performances on the pitch are not affected by her studies. It is a good balance.”