She was called up to the England squad by Head Coach Hope Powell in March 2009, at the age of 19. Clarke is also one of the best players at Leeds Carnegie – she has the makings of a very talented player

Clarke rose to prominence when she was selected to start in England's 2-1 victory over Holland at Euro 2009, a game in which she impressed. However, Clarke was then left on the bench for the Final against Germany and was an unused substitute.

“I wasn't really expecting to start in the Final. I think Hope [Powell] made the right decision on the day and I think that as a player there is still more to come and it was all part of a learning curve,” said Clarke.

Although she was ‘dropped’ for the final, Clarke remains upbeat:

“It was definitely the highlight of my career so far but I think there is more to come from me.”

Since then the 20-year-old has gone on to become a permanent fixture in Powell's side and says her time spent in Finland was invaluable.

“I was ecstatic to be selected in the squad .It was amazing to play against some of the best players in the world. I really enjoyed what I think was a good experience. I hope I can get more of a chance to play on a stage like that.”

Clarke and her team-mates at Leeds had reason to celebrate before Christmas – even if their success has been marred by the subsequent news of a degree of uncertainty over their future - after a 2-0 victory over Chelsea gave them a spot in the Premier League Cup Final, against Everton, on Thursday 11th February, at Rochdale FC.

“I think it can go either way. We are the underdogs. Everton beat Arsenal last time and they've won it once before. They are going to be tough to beat because they are a good side.”

This will be Clarke's first domestic cup final since the 4-1 defeat against Arsenal in the FA Women’s Cup Final in 2008. She managed to bag a goal in that match and she hopes that lightning might strike twice, in that respect.

“It was great to score a cup final goal, despite the fact that we lost. I hope I can nick another goal in the Premier League Cup Final.”