‘As a little girl, I dreamed of this’ – Taylor Hinds reflects on her unconventional England journey | OneFootball

Taylor Hinds may not have taken the most conventional route to becoming a Lioness, but she is relishing every moment in an England shirt.

The 26-year-old left-back, who rejoined Arsenal on a free transfer this summer after five years with Liverpool, is enjoying a breakthrough period at international level after receiving her first senior England call-up in October 2025.

Hinds, who grew up as part of the Arsenal academy, previously represented England at under-17, under-19 and under-23 level before earning a senior cap for Jamaica women’s national football team.

Because that appearance came in a non-competitive match, the defender remained eligible to represent England, where she has now forced her way into the plans of head coach Sarina Wiegman, starting in the Lionesses’ opening two World Cup qualifiers.

Reflecting on her journey so far, Hinds admitted representing England had always been a dream.

“It’s been one hell of a journey, but I’m really proud of myself,” she said. “I’m really enjoying myself, obviously.

“As a little girl, I dreamed of this. I’m just taking every camp and every game as it comes and I’m just trying to prove myself and represent the badge really well.”

England’s World Cup 2027 qualification campaign has gotten off to a perfect start, with a 6-1 victory over Ukraine and a 2-0 win against Iceland. World Champions Spain are the other team in their group, who they face next at Wembley in April.

With extensive experience in the Women’s Super League, Hinds admits the demands of international football have quickly shown her the level required to compete with the world’s best.

“The level is high but I think I’m lucky enough to get that every day being at Arsenal as well, so I know what that feeling’s like,” she said. “But it’s another level here and it’s only going to improve me as a player.

“I put myself out there and I put myself in these environments and I only want to improve and be the best player I can be. 

“For Sarina to put that trust in me, it gives me such an immense amount of confidence and it’s something I can take back to club level as well.”