FORMER Copmanthorpe Primary School footballer Lucy Stainforth will be hoping to feature for England’s Lionesses in their World Cup quarter-final on Thursday against Norway.

Staniforth, 26, made her debut in the competition as a 78th-minute substitute during the tempestuous 3-0 last-16 triumph against Cameroon.

Coming on for experienced Manchester City ace Jill Scott, the daughter of ex-York City attacker and York College tutor Gordon played her part in the victory sealed by goals from Steph Houghton, Ellen White and Alex Greenwood.

The thrilled York-born, Birmingham City midfielder, who first played football alongside boys for the Copmanthorpe school team, later posted on her Twitter account: “Living the absolute dream.

“World Cup debut, through to the Quarters and my family in the crowd & most importantly, being a part of this team.”

After the Cameroon game, head coach Phil Neville, meanwhile, criticised the conduct of the opposition players, declaring: “It didn't feel like football.

“I know we get these briefs about coming on TV and saying it was good game, but that wasn't a last-16 tie in terms of behaviour from footballers. This is going out worldwide.

“I didn't enjoy it, the players didn't enjoy it. My players kept their concentration, but those images are going out worldwide and young girls are seeing that behaviour and it's not right.”