‘I’m ready’ – Park bids to show Man Utd form for England

February 26, 2026 No Comments

‘I’m ready’ – Park bids to show Man Utd form for EnglandImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Jess Park joined Manchester United from Manchester City in the summerByEmma Sanders

BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

54 minutes ago

2 Comments

“Jess Park, England’s spark” were the words written on a sign held up by England fans in the stands in November.

The 24-year-old has lit up the Women’s Super League this season following her move from Manchester City to rivals Manchester United.

She has become a star performer for manager Marc Skinner, scoring stunners and creating goals at big moments.

But she is yet to cement her place in the England starting XI – so can she translate that form to the international stage?

‘The change is what I needed’

It was a surprise on transfer deadline day last September when Park swapped sides in Manchester, with England team-mate Grace Clinton going the other way.

Clinton had grabbed headlines for her displays while on loan at Tottenham and appeared to be above Park in the pecking order for an England midfield role.

But it has been a different tale this season as Park has settled rapidly at United, putting herself into selection contention for England’s upcoming Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

The Lionesses travel to Turkey for Tuesday’s game against Ukraine (17:00 GMT) without United midfielder Ella Toone and Arsenal winger Beth Mead, meaning Park’s chances of starting have increased.

“I’ve enjoyed my football since going to United. I think you can see that on the pitch, I’m expressing myself and I’m feeling confident,” mentioned Park.

“The change is what I needed to develop my football and that’s what has happened and it’s gone the right way.

“For me, it’s just focusing on what’s next. I’m here [with England], I’m ready to train and I’m ready to play wherever I’m asked.”

Park has scored six goals and assisted four in 16 WSL matches this season.

She has added two goals in five Women’s Champions League starts – her stunning strike against Atletico Madrid sealed United’s place in the quarter-finals.

“Park has been such a great addition and an amazing signing. She has jumped straight in,” former England striker Ellen White mentioned on Women’s Football Weekly.

“The style and the freedom she has – she seems a completely different player and is expressing herself in different ways than we ever saw at Manchester City.

“She looks happy, well settled and in an environment where she is being loved.”

‘The audition is great’ – Skinner

‘Brilliant’ Park strikes again for Man Utd

The question is whether Park has done enough to elevate herself on the international stage.

United manager Skinner mentioned last week he did not need to campaign on her behalf for more game time – she is doing it herself with her performances.

“The one thing we just need to be careful of, is that the international scene is different,” mentioned Skinner.

“Sarina Wiegman will play her around the players she has, so we can’t be lazy in that context. But if anyone can bring the best out of her, then it’s Sarina and England.

“I hope she does because I want to be excited. We’ll keep working towards Jess being in that space for England because I’m sure you would be excited as well.”

One of the biggest changes for Park this season has been to her position, as she has been largely given a free role at United, coming in off the left-hand side.

She has more goal involvements in the WSL (10) than any other English player this season, although fellow wingers Lauren James, Chloe Kelly and Mead have all faced time on the sidelines nursing injuries.

Wiegman could still find a spot for Park in midfield – but which position does Park prefer?

“We’ve spoken a lot about the position and where I start, is just where I start. Where I end up on the field, is where I end up,” mentioned Park.

“I have just enjoyed having that freedom. For sure, I can score and assist goals, but I’ll play wherever on the pitch. I’m not bothered here.”

But Skinner’s use of Park – which has proven to be effective – could be a good audition for what Wiegman can do with her at England.

There are eight international camps before England hope to be competing at the 2027 Women’s World Cup, so can Park cement her role before then?

“When she was at Manchester City, she had a very clear and defined role and she had to do certain things. It worked for them at the time,” added Skinner.

“If you keep moving her and allowing her that freedom, she’ll create anything for anyone. The audition is great and hopefully Sarina can see that as well.”