ENGLAND legend Rachel Yankey believes Barrow football star Georgia Stanway can help the Lionesses to future international success.

Stanway was part of the England Under-19s who contested the La Manga tournament in Spain this month – scoring a hat-trick in the 4-0 win over Italy.

It was perfect preparation for the UEFA Elite Round qualifiers against Turkey, Denmark and the Czech Republic next month, with the Young Lionesses hoping to qualify for the European Championships.

But Yankey, who holds the international appearance record for England, having played 129 times for her country, scoring five goals, can see a brighter future still for Manchester City's Stanway.

Asked by the BBC about England's prospects at the 2019 World Cup, the Arsenal great picked out the 18-year-old forward as showing the bright future in store.

She said: “The Euros this year will be a massive challenge for the team but with two more years of experience, who knows what can happen.

“Hopefully, with talent like Georgia Stanway from Manchester City coming through, the team will have a bright future!”

Stanway and England Under-19s play Turkey on April 5, with further Euro qualifying matches against Denmark and the Czechs following on April 7 and 10 respectively.