Karen Bardsley is relishing lining up against the country she was born in when England host the United States tomorrow evening.

With time rapidly decreasing before England face France in their opening match of the World Cup, manager Mark Sampson’s side take on the two-time World Cup winners in Milton Keynes as preparations intensify.

However, despite being born in California, the Manchester City goalkeeper always knew which country she would represent, to the point where she would hound the Football Association to show interest as she plied her trade overseas.

“Back in the day I was sending the FA loads of emails, letters and video tapes, sending these packets two or three times a month, saying: ‘Look at this video! Watch me play!’,” Bardsley said.

“That carried on for two or three years and they didn’t really get hold of me until I was 17 or 18.

“I was sending all those over from Chino Hills — that meant lots of postage.

“It would be great to play for the States, but England is my family’s country so I thought it would mean a lot more if I represented England. 

“I’d been trying for years to get in touch and it finally all worked out.”

The US are currently ranked second in the world with Germany currently holding the top spot — the same Germany that gave England a 3-0 ticking at Wembley in November

But the 30-year-old is ready to pit herself against opposition of the highest calibre.

“It’s really exciting to be able to play a team of the US’s calibre,” Bardsley said.

“We need to face as good opposition as we can get. It’s a great test for us, to figure out where we are at the minute and with it being a first match of the season we can gauge which direction we need to progress in and where we need to work the most.”

England’s number one grew up supporting Manchester United but finds herself donning the blue of City in the Women’s Super League.

With the vast riches City have, as well as United not having a women’s side, the decision to play at Eastlands was “fantastic.”

“I’m hoping I’m not going to get stitched up here,” Bardsley said, laughing. 

“It was fantastic to join City. Obviously United don’t have a women’s squad. 

“City have been incredible and really stepped up to the plate.”