Rachel Yankey eyes Euro 2013 glory with England women
- Published
England winger Rachel Yankey hopes her side can end their wait for a first major international trophy after securing their place at Euro 2013.
The 32-year-old earned a record 120th cap in England's 3-0 victory over Croatia on Wednesday and is aiming for silverware in Sweden next summer.
"It was so important that we qualified for this tournament," said Yankey.
"Now we've got to go there, be positive and prove to people that we are good enough to start winning things."
England were beaten 6-2 by Germany, external in the final of Euro 2009 and are desperate to go one step further.
"Immediately we're starting to talk about the draw, which is in November, about doing the recces in Sweden to make sure our base camp is right," coach Hope Powell told BBC Radio 5 liveSport.
"We'll try to enjoy the moment for a day or two and then it's down to business again."
Defender Alex Scott added: "We got to the final, got a silver medal, so we're hoping this tournament is going to be our lucky one and we're going to go one better.
"But it's a lot of hard work until then. We have to get out of the group stage and there are some great teams who have qualified, so it's a huge task but we do want that gold medal this time."
Yankey's appearance against Croatia saw her surpass the record she previously shared with Gillian Coultard.
She made her England debut in 1997 and has played in two World Cups, two European Championships and the 2012 Olympics.
"It's an absolute milestone," said Powell. "Rachel has been in the England set-up from a very young age, even when I played.
"To beat the record - Gillian Coulthard held it for many years - is unbelievable and credit to her."
Team-mate Eniola Aluko described Arsenal star Yankey as "a great servant of the game" and "someone who is a fantastic leader on and off the pitch and a consummate professional".
The Birmingham City Ladies forward added: "For any young player growing up to see someone like 'Yanks' still playing - still fit, a sweet left foot, at 120 caps - it's what we all aspire to."