Profile: England and Notts County defender Laura Bassett

Laura Bassett in action for England Credit: Nigel French/EMPICS Sport

England defender Laura Bassett may have hit the headlines for her own goal, which cost England a place in the World Cup Final, but her international career stretches back far beyond this tournament.

Born in Nuneaton, she made her debut for the England senior team against Italy in 2003 and has since amassed 54 caps playing for the national side.

She went on to make her first World Cup appearance in 2011 and was involved in the ill-fated 2013 Euros campaign. She became one of England's most capped players during the qualifiers for this year's World Cup.

Described on the FA website as 'a solid, dependable defender who goes about her game with a quiet authority', Bassett had already attracted attention earlier in the tournament.

She was applauded for playing on despite getting a black eye from a wayward French elbow in their opening game against France.

Bassett began her career at Bedworth Girls before moving on to Coventry City Ladies. Her career has seen her play for Birmingham City, Leeds United, Arsenal and Chelsea. She now plays for Notts County.

  • 1997 - 2000: Coventry City Ladies

  • 2000 - 2008: Birmingham City Ladies

  • 2008 - 2009: Arsenal Ladies

  • 2009 - 2010: Leeds United Ladies

  • 2010 - 2013: Birmingham City Ladies

  • 2014: Chelsea Ladies

  • 2015 - Present: Notts County