Abby George had been with Manchester United for one month when her move of a lifetime turned into a season to forget after she tore an anterior cruciate ligament for the second time.
The rehabilitation is daunting but George, knowing the prize on offer was playing again for the club she had supported since she was a little girl, there was never any doubt in her mind she would make it.
In September, after 11 months out, George returned to competitive action and an additional reward has emerged: a place in the England squad for the first time since November 2022.
It was a call from the Lionesses head coach, Sarina Wiegman, that stunned the left-back.
"At the time I was speechless," the 27-year-old says from St George's Park as England prepare for games against the USA at Wembley on Saturday and Switzerland at Bramall Lane three days later. "I was spluttering on the phone and I'm never lost for words. When you've been through so much and you got those little wins, it's a big thing for you."
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