England call-up 'thrills' Manchester City's Isobel Christiansen

Isobel Christiansen is the only player in Mark Sampson's latest squad to be called up to the England senior side for the first time

Manchester City midfielder Isobel Christiansen says she was "thrilled" and "cried a little bit" when she received her first call-up to the senior England side.

The 23-year-old was named in Mark Sampson's squad for their Euro 2017 qualifier in Estonia on 21 September.

"Firstly, I got an email so I had time to compose myself before Mark called me," she told BBC Sport.

"It's a phone call every player wants to hear."

Christiansen, who has represented England from Under-17 to Under-23 level, continued: "I was just so happy and thrilled and I'm not going to lie, I did start crying a little bit because I'm a wimp."

The match against Estonia is England's first qualifier as they bid to reach the tournament in the Netherlands and their first match since they claimed bronze at this summer's Women's World Cup.

Christiansen last represented the England under-23s in November 2014

However, the central midfielder says she is just concentrating on fitting in with the squad when they meet up at St George's Park next week.

"I'm ready to work my socks off to be part of the squad moving forward," said Christiansen.

"I'm absolutely thrilled to be noticed and that my hard work is starting to pay off. I can't wait to meet up with them.

"I haven't really thought about participating in the game itself, I'm just focused on integrating myself into the team and learning the philosophy.

"Obviously, I'll be delighted to get any minutes in the game and that's an aim of mine but I'm just delighted to be selected and given the chance to show what I can do."

Christiansen is one of seven Manchester City players to be named in the squad of 23 and she admits that being among so many club team-mates will help ease her nerves.

"It'll be good for me to settle in with the team at St George's next week but I'm looking forward to interpreting myself with all the other team members as well and I'm excited for the challenge," she said.