Ellie signs new deal at City

Roebuck, from Killimarsh, made her City debut in 2016 and played 15 times in the Women's Super League in 2018-19.

The 19-year-old was handed her senior England bow against Austria last year, adding her second cap with a start against Spain in April but did not make Phil Neville's Lionesses squad for this summer's World Cup.

Speaking on City's official website regarding the extension to the end of 2020-21, Roebuck said: "I'm delighted to have signed a new deal to be here for two more years.

"It's an exciting time for the club and I'm glad to be part of it. I love being here and I have plenty of friends here, which makes a lot of difference. For me, it was a no-brainer.

"I feel I'm in the best place for my development. Nick (Cushing, the City manager) puts trust in young players and that reflects on and off the pitch. You're pushed to improve week in, week out and I'm glad to be part of it."

The news comes the day after Roebuck's fellow City goalkeeper Karen Bardsley signed for two more years with the club.

The 34-year-old, who played in City's Continental League Cup and FA Cup final wins this year, is part of England's World Cup squad.

Meanwhile, England captain Steph Houghton says the Lionesses are ready to "do something special" at the Women's World Cup this summer.

Houghton said: "I've been in plenty of squads in terms of World Cups and European Championships and all have had different strengths.

"And I think for this one especially we have the right blend of youth and experience, we have players who have played in top pressure games where you have to go and win, and I feel we have a squad that wants to go and win and has that winning mentality to go and do something special in France."

Regarding what the team winning the tournament would do for women's football in England, the defender said: "It would be absolutely amazing.

"It would be a dream come true for us as players but for the game as a whole, I think you saw what happened in 2015 - success does bring interest and allow young girls to dream of being a footballer, and now there's a pathway to go and do that.

"For us, our focus is on doing as well as we possibly can and making sure that, no matter what, we give it our everything when we're over there."