In elite sport risk and reward are closely intertwined and Alex Greenwood has experienced this more than most. Less than two years ago the left back was at a crossroads in her career, released by Liverpool at the end of her contract.

Already an England international, Greenwood joined a new Manchester United team in the Women’s Championship — the second tier of women’s domestic football in England — potentially putting her international career in jeopardy. Sixteen months later she is reaping the rewards, playing for the European champions, Lyons, and preparing to face Germany tomorrow in front of almost 90,000 at Wembley.

Neville with Greenwood with at the World Cup, where England reached the semi-finals RICHARD SELLERS/PA

Greenwood, 26, describes the opportunity to join Lyons as something she could not have turned down, but admits that it was a tough