AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn soccer's Jessica Osborne has been called up to the England Women's U19 Team in an effort to help the nation qualify for the 2024 UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship this summer in Lithuania.
Osborne and the Lionesses will compete in a trio of qualifying matches in Lisbon, Portugal over the next week in hopes of punching their ticket to the official championship. First, England battles Switzerland Wednesday, April 3 at 8 a.m. CT. Next on the docket is a game against Portugal Saturday, April 6 at 12 p.m. CT. Finally, Osborne and company close with a matchup against Italy Tuesday, April 9 at 9 a.m. CT.
The 2024 UEFA Women's U19 Championship is set for July 14-27 in a trio of Lithuanian cities, Jonava, Kaunas and Marijampole. Eight total nations will be represented at the tournament.
Voted the Tigers' Rookie of the Year, Osborne jumped onto the collegiate scene during the fall of 2023, appearing in 13 matches and starting in 10 as one of Auburn's two center back defenders. She was a crucial member of the Orange & Blue defense that solidified seven shutouts and a 0.90 goals-against average in Southeastern Conference play.
Osborne also scored her first collegiate goal in the Tigers' final home match of the season against LSU. Teammate Anna Haddock delivered service via a corner kick in 21st minute, which Osborne finished with a header.
As a native of Summerville, South Carolina, Osborne meets the citizenship requirements to play for the Lionesses via her mother and father, Gail and Andrew Osborne, who are both English citizens.