"Memories that will live forever" | Exclusive with England U17s Nelly Las

Ahead of the Young Lionesses' World Cup semi-final against Spain, we caught up with full-back Nelly Las on a memorable tournament in the Dominican Republic.

For Nelly Las, her first experience on the global stage could not be going much better. The 16-year-old full-back has been a stalwart of Natalie Henderson's England side and has featured in every U17 Women's World Cup game to date. She has been an influential figure down the right side in their progress to the semi-finals and is undoubtedly in the running to be included in the team of the tournament.

From speaking to Las, it is evident that she is thriving in the Young Lionesses' environment. Her eyes light up when speaking about being on camp, which England have been on since departing for Miami in early October. "Since I was a little girl, I dreamed of being at a World Cup," she says. "We're always there for each other no matter what. There's always someone to talk to if you need so it's extra special and it just feels like home."

Las grew up playing football with her brothers and starting with her twin seemed a natural. She played with boys until she was 13/14 years old, and she credits that time for her development. "I think it really helped me physically and mentally to get into the game, enjoy it and have fun before starting to get selected for England camps,” she says. “It was just kind of meant to be really."

Joining the Leicester City Academy was another step in her journey as she continues on the path towards senior football. A week before heading out on her World Cup adventure, she made her first team debut in the Foxes’ League Cup draw with Bristol City, a significant step forward in her young career to date.

"I only got told a couple days before," she remembers. "I was just like, "Wow!" I couldn't really believe it. But then a few hours before [kick off], I got told I was starting. That was just a shock. My family were all there, so it was the best experience."

Strong in a challenge, Las has been a consistent threat in both boxes during this World Cup. "I love a good tackle," she says with a wide smile as she names 1-v-1 defending as one of her core strengths.

She has certainly had these attributes on display as the Young Lionesses have progressed through the tournament. Las' Player of the Match performance in their extraordinary 4-2 victory over Mexico in the Group Stage was a stand-out. She registered a goal and two assists as England came from behind with ten players.

"[I just remember it] as a crazy game," she reflects. "I still can't believe what happened - from going down; getting a penalty; getting a red card; to then winning the game."

England's grit and ability to dig in and not panic has been a key ingredient of their success to date and a major reason for their two comebacks so far.

"I think as a team we've worked really hard," Las says. "Even though we've gone down in a few games, we've never given up and we've shown that throughout."

"Even against Japan [in the quarter-final], we went down but we adapted well and got back into the game. We always knew we would. We always believe that we'll find a way. Even if it's near the end of the game, we believe. There was no panic. No one was scared. We just knew it would come and it did."

Spain, one of the favourites and current holders, await in the semi-final and Las knows it will be a tough test. The two sides met just six months ago in the final of the European Championships where England fell to a 4-0 defeat. She does, however, think that that experience can be used to their advantage.

"I think we know what they're like," she says. “We respect them as a team and we know that they're a good side. But we also believe in ourselves and how much work we've put in. Since May, we've been working on improving the small details and I think we're ready."

"It's really important that we all stick together, work hard and don't give up, because it's shown in the games,” she continues. “It's not always the prettiest performance but, in the end, we are in the semi-final."

When asked about her favourite memory from her World Cup experience so far, Las says the quarter-final against Japan with no hesitation. England came from behind twice in that one to win on penalties, another invaluable learning experience for this young side. "That penalty shoot-out - after it, we were all so happy and excited," she remembers. "I've never felt so happy to win a game. They are memories that will live forever."

If England are to go one better and reaching the World Cup final in Santo Domingo tonight, there is no doubt that there will be even more to add to her ever-increasing collection.