Recognition finally coming for Jodie Taylor

Credit: Emily Mogic

When Hope Powell named her 23 player England squad for Euro 2013 last June many were asking: Where was Jodie Taylor?

The Merseyside native had just completed a big 12 months.

She finished second top goalscorer in the 2012 FA Women's Super League season, was named Player of the Match in leading Birmingham City to the FA Cup title, received a nomination for the inaugural PFA Women’s Player of the Year award and, at that time, was second top goalscorer in the Damallsvenskan with 10 goals in 10 games for Göteborg FC.

Her omission from the squad was a bitter pill to swallow.

"I have not been a part of the national team and was not even close to a Euro spot. It is depressing to sacrifice so much in my life and then not even get a chance to play for England," she said in an interview late last year.

Playing back to back seasons for almost 12 months of the year had also taken a toll physically, mentally, emotionally and financially.  In processing the disappointment, Taylor re-evaluated her life.

“The last two years I had really been chasing the England dream and it never really worked out.”

Her quest for England had taken her all over the world including the USA, Australia, back to England and Sweden.  While it didn't lead to the ultimate goal, Taylor still found the experiences invaluable.

“In terms of football it was pretty good actually. It gave me massive confidence scoring goals in those leagues.”

“In the end, I think I put too much focus on that [the national team] so there has been a bit of a change in mindset.”

Jodie Taylor in action for Birmingham in the 2012 FA Cup Final | Credit: Getty Images

That change of mindset has brought Taylor back to the W-League with Sydney FC after a season's absence.  The 27 year old had previously led the Melbourne Victory to two semi-final appearances but this time round she opted for a different shade of blue.

[More: Taylor made for Victory]

Taylor's inclusion in an already strong Sydney FC outfit made the defending champions instantly more powerful.

With the likes of Caitlin Foord, Sam Kerr, Teresa Polias as well as the up and coming Chloe Logarzo and Amy Harrison, Sydney boasts one of the strongest and deepest squads.

Add to that a demanding taskmaster in coach Alen Stajcic and it is no wonder they have yet to be defeated this season.

It's an environment that Taylor has thrived in.

"It’s been a good here - playing football, developing and playing with some of the best footballers in Australia. There is a lot of competition which makes training that much better."

Even with Sydney's plethora of attacking options, Taylor currently leads their goal scoring thanks to her sharp movements, well-timed runs and much improved finishing.

“I have improved as a player in the last couple of years and I think a lot of it is down to confidence in front of goal.”

Her bright start to the season also brought an unexpected benefit; a call up by new England coach Mark Sampson to the Lionesses first training camp of the year.  Ironically after waiting for so long for this news, commitments with Sydney FC have made it close to impossible for Taylor to heed the call.

A third place finish in the International Women's Club Challenge has left Sydney with a backlog of matches to be played in a short space of time.

A time period in which Taylor would have been required in La Manga, Spain for the England camp and missing almost four matches, a big chunk of games in terms of the W-League.

"It came as a surprise to be honest.  I wasn't expecting a call up but it’s a nice feeling," said Taylor.

"The club have had talks with the English FA and they have all come to the agreement that given the commitments here [at Sydney FC], it is not going to happen this time."

While England is again on hold for the moment, that same week also brought the announcement that Taylor would be heading back to the US where she had played college football for Oregon State University.

After discussions with a number of teams, Taylor signed with the Washington Spirit with the challenge of spearheading an attack that under-performed in the NWSL.

“I loved being and playing over there.  I have had a few years away from America and I think it’s time to get back there and I am looking forward to it.”

“I followed the league last year and obviously they [Washington] didn’t do so well."

"With the coaching change though, and that they are bringing in players, it will be a bit of a different look to the team so I am looking forward to being over there in the next few months.”

That is all in the not too distant future. For now, in keeping with her new mindset, Taylor is just focused on next couple of months and helping Sydney FC to an historic back to back championship.

“I just really want to enjoy what I am doing day to day. Enjoy where I am at any one time including the lifestyle and playing football.”