West Ham United women’s team striker Princess Ademiluyi first put on an England shirt in October 2024 and, just eight months later, will be representing her country at the UEFA Women's U19 Championships.
The 18-year-old received the call-up to Lauren Smith’s side for this summer’s tournament, in Poland, earlier this week, and will strive to help propel her Young Lionesses team to a successful campaign, after they were pipped in the semi-finals of the competition last year.
Ademiluyi spent the first half of the 2024/25 season on loan at Barclays Women’s Championship side Charlton Athletic and, during her spell at the Addicks, made her England debut on Friday 25 October - starting in a 3-1 success over the Netherlands in the Algarve Cup.
The young forward, who has been at West Ham since the age of 12, starred in the victory, contributing two assists in Portugal, before going on to net against the Netherlands when the two teams faced off in the Albir Garden Tournament in February.
That is one of six goals that Ademiluyi has scored for her country, which also includes a magnificent four-goal haul when Smith’s team defeated Ukraine 10-0 in April.
So, full of confidence, Ademiluyi will jet off to Poland with the target of bringing home silverware, and she recognises the honour of representing her country on the international stage.
“When I was 13, 14, that’s (playing for England) what I was dreaming about, but I thought it wasn’t going to happen," said the Hammers No35. "But then in my first game I looked down, I saw the badge… and it was England. I was actually representing my country. It was an unreal feeling.
“I know the amount of girls that want my position, so being selected is an amazing feeling and I want to do the best for everyone.
“I’m definitely looking forward to it (the UEFA Women's U19 Championships). Every time I go to camp, it’s amazing. I’m just ready to crack on. I can use it as a good chance to develop myself as a player, so I’m ready to come back for next season.
“It felt really nice (to score four goals in one game). Especially playing with girls my age, I know how they’re going to play, so it’s relatively easy to adapt to.
“I think we’re all on the same wavelength, in terms of off the field, so then we all link together when we’re on the pitch. I feel comfortable to be who I am and do what I want to do.”
Being the main source of goals comes with an expectation and pressure, but that is something Ademiluyi is relishing as she prepares for England’s first game against the Netherlands in Tarnobrzeg on Sunday 15 June (kick-off 4pm BST).
She continued: “There is pressure around selection and performing. If I’m not doing well, they will take me off the pitch, so I still have to keep those standards and that’s what I like.
“The pressure’s the best part because if you can do it under pressure, you can do it under anything. So I guess that’s my mindset heading into the tournament.”
England head into the tournament looking to go one better than last year after bowing out in the semi-finals, and Smith’s side will be accompanied by Portugal (Wednesday 18 June, 4pm BST) and Spain (Saturday 21 June, 6pm BST) - the reigning champions - as well as the Netherlands in Group B.
The Young Lionesses, who last won the competition in 2009, booked their spot at the tournament with a 100 per cent record in their second-round qualification campaign, courtesy of thumping victories over Ukraine, Austria and Belgium.
Meanwhile, in Group A, hosts Poland will go head-to-head with France, Italy and Sweden, and the tournament will run from Sunday 15 June to Friday 27 June.
Ademiluyi added: “I haven’t played against Portugal this year, only against Spain and the Netherlands. I scored against the Netherlands, which was nice, and playing against Spain was a tough game, if I’m being honest. They’re very good technically, physically.
“But I don’t think we should be afraid. With the squad we had last camp, we’re looking very, very strong. And with the preparation camps, we can really lock in and figure out how we’re going to win the Euros, that’s the plan, that’s what we want to do this year.”
Fixtures in full
Sunday 15 June
Princess Ademiluyi | England U19 v Netherlands U19 - UEFA Women's U19 Championships, Group B, Stadion OSiR Wisła, Tarnobrzeg, Poland, 4pm BST
Wednesday 18 June
Princess Ademiluyi | Portugal U19 v England U19 - UEFA Women's U19 Championships, Group B, Stadion OSiR Wisła, Tarnobrzeg, Poland, 4pm BST
Saturday 21 June
Princess Ademiluyi | Spain U19 v England U19 - UEFA Women's U19 Championships, Group B, Podkarpackie Centrum Piłki Nożnej, Stalowa Wola, Poland, 4pm BST
