Katie's on an England mission

A schoolgirl striker from Lichfield is hoping her goals will fire England into the UEFA European Women's Under-17 Championship.

Katie Wilkinson, 15, has been named in the squad which flies out to Italy on Sunday for three big qualifying games against Serbia, Holland and the Italians.

England need to win their group to qualify for this summer's tournament in Switzerland and Katie, who was first selected to play for England this time last year, is quietly confident they can do it.

"They're tough teams so we'll need to work hard and play to our best, but I think we can qualify," said Katie, who is one of the youngest players in the England Women's U17 squad.

"I've worked my heart out to play for England - I'm so proud to wear the shirt and it's an amazing feeling to score for your country."

Katie plays her club football for Aston Villa and is the star of their academy.

She trains three times-a-week at Villa Park and the club's coaching staff believe she has a very bright future in the game.

"Katie has the ability to progress to the highest level in women's football," said Villa Ladies coach James Moore.

Villa Ladies coach Simon Noakes added: "Katie has the potential to go extremely far - she has a brilliant attitude to the game and there's nothing stopping her from playing for England Women's senior team later in her career."

England Women's U17s play Serbia on Thursday 8th April, hosts Italy two days later and then face Holland in their final match on Tuesday 13th.

Video journalist Ben Lowe went to meet Katie.