Erica Parkinson was only 12 when she told a mindset coach about her dream: “I want to play for England at the World Cup.” Six years later, that ambition looks closer than ever to becoming reality. The teenager has now become the youngest Lionesses call-up under Sarina Wiegman and has signed for North Carolina Courage in the NWSL, a move that could pave her way to the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

Born in Singapore to a Japanese mother and English father, Parkinson has been on England’s radar for years, though she has largely developed her career abroad. That changed in March when Wiegman included her in England’s senior squad for the first time at just 17 years old—making her the youngest player to receive a call-up during Wiegman’s tenure and putting the spotlight firmly on the creative midfielder.

Now aged 18, Parkinson has made her biggest club move yet, joining North Carolina Courage from Valadares Gaia in Portugal, where she earned the Best Young Player award in the 2024-25 season. The NWSL is among the most competitive women’s leagues globally, offering her the perfect stage to grow as she aims for a World Cup debut in 2027.

It’s a rapid rise, but one Parkinson has been mentally preparing for years.

Rugby-inspired approach

The idea of developing mental strength came from an unlikely source—the All Blacks rugby team. After years of underachievement following their 1987 Rugby World Cup triumph, New Zealand transformed their mental game using Gazing Performance’s ‘Red2Blue’ principle. It helped them turn stress and pressure into calm focus, leading to their 2011 World Cup victory. The approach caught the attention of Parkinson’s father when her older brother Denis joined Porto’s academy.

During a trip to London, he met with Martin Fairn, CEO of Gazing Performance, to explore mindset coaching for both Denis and Erica. “I said, ‘I’d be delighted if they want to do it,’” Fairn recalls. “Denis was very focused, and Erica, at 12, said, ‘What’s he doing? I want to do that too.’ That’s just who she is.”

Adapting the mindset

Gazing Performance works with athletes from numerous sports—football, rugby, motor racing, cricket, and even business and military professionals—applying the same human-first principles. Fairn remembers his first chat with Erica vividly. “When you hear a 12-year-old say she wants to play for England at a World Cup, you know you’re starting something with real potential,” he says.

He explains that mindset is a learnable skill, no different from any sport. “Whether they’re 12 or 50, mentality is a skill. You can learn it, practice it, and improve at it.” Parkinson understood this early and worked to strengthen her mind as much as her footballing ability.

Rising through the ranks

From playing in boys’ academies in Portugal to representing Valadares Gaia in senior football and progressing through England’s youth teams, Parkinson’s journey has been one of constant adaptation. Fairn notes, “Each time she steps up a level, she works with me and with herself to make sure she’s ready—for the pressure, the moments on and off the pitch, and everything surrounding them.”

Stepping into one of the world’s top leagues

Parkinson’s new challenge with North Carolina Courage will test everything she has learned. The NWSL is home to top-tier talents like Trinity Rodman, Barbra Banda, and Temwa Chawinga. It is also known for giving young players valuable minutes—those born in 2005 or later averaged 726 minutes in the 2025 season, second only to Spain’s Liga F among Europe’s top leagues.

“From my first conversation with the club, I could tell they were very organised,” Parkinson said after signing. “They had a clear plan for me that matched what I look for as a player. I love their attacking style and think I can contribute to that. I’ve also heard great things about the club’s culture.”

Making her mark

Despite her youth, Parkinson’s creativity can immediately strengthen the Courage. Only six NWSL teams created fewer major chances per 90 minutes than Mak Lind’s side last season. Her vision and spatial intelligence can provide the spark they need to compete with title contenders.

Her time in Portugal showcased her flair and consistency, earning her the Best Young Player in Liga BPI for 2024-25. She rapidly climbed England’s ranks from U17 to U23 in just over a year before receiving her senior call-up two camps later. If she brings that same level to the U.S., she could remain a fixture in Wiegman’s plans.

Prepared for what’s next

Parkinson knows the spotlight will only grow brighter, but she’s been preparing for that since she was 12. When she joined her first Lionesses camp in April, Fairn checked in with her. She had already mapped out the challenges she might face. After the camp, she admitted it was “daunting and overwhelming,” but also said she felt “at home.” Each milestone, Fairn says, is just another step in her journey.

“She’s ready,” Fairn insists. “I’m not saying she’ll be England’s best-ever player, but she’s mentally prepared for whatever comes. Her technical, physical, and tactical abilities will take care of the rest.”

As she heads to the U.S. for the next chapter of her career, Erica Parkinson’s focused mindset could be the key to turning her long-held dream of World Cup football into reality.