Arsenal star breaks appearance record for England Ladies (From Borehamwood Times)

Arsenal Ladies star Yankey breaks appearance record for England

2:45pm Thursday 20th September 2012 in Sport

Arsenal Ladies’ Rachel Yankey won a record 120th cap as she helped England reach Euro 2013.

The 32-year-old winger helped England seal a 3-0 win over Croatia in Walsall on Wednesday which ensured them of their place at next year’s European Championships in Sweden.

Yankey, who plays in Borehamwood for Arsenal, told the BBC website: “It was so important that we qualified for this tournament.

“Now we’ve got to go there, be positive and prove to people that we are good enough to start winning things.”

The Arsenal star’s appearance helped her beat the record previously shared with Gillian Coultard.

Yankey made her England debut in 1997 and has played in two World Cups, two European Championships and the 2012 Olympics.

England Ladies coach Hope Powell said: “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 held it for many years - is unbelievable and credit to her.”