FROM football highlights to blonde highlights, Rachel Brown's conversation moves from one to the other with the dexterity of a freshly-groomed David Beckham.

And like Real Madrid's midfield maestro, Rachel is an England international star with a keen appetite for success who is full of enthusiasm for the sport she plays -- women's football.

Tomorrow goalkeeper Rachel will be bringing the game home to Burnley when she hopes to take her place between the sticks for England's match against Australia and she is urging women of all ages to make the trip to Turf Moor in a bid to enhance the sport's growing popularity.

The perception of women's football has undergone a seismic shift since 23-year-old Rachel started playing at St Stephen's Junior School in Burnley.

"I was considered a tomboy," she says, "the only girl in the class who played football."

Rachel had taken up the game at the age of nine, inspired by her beloved Clarets' appearance at Wembley in the Sherpa Van Trophy.

"I refused to play hopscotch," she laughs. "And I used to sit on the sidelines, itching to play with the boys. They said I could only play if I went in goal, so that was how I started my career as a keeper."

Having played for her school team until the age of 12, Rachel's career ground to a sudden halt when she found she couldn't play with boys' teams any more. Instead she faced the daunting prospect of turning out for Accrington Stanley Ladies, alongside women in their 20s and 30s.

"Officially, you weren't allowed to play until you were 14, so I was 14 for three years!" she laughs.

After attending a goalkeeping course run by Arsenal legend Bob Wilson, Rachel was offered a trial with Liverpool. She made her debut for the team at just 14 and got her first England cap two years later.

Rachel's career has seen her travel the world, both with the England team and via an American university scholarship.

"I'm never really in one place for very long," she muses, "but I like that, because I'm a bit of a gypsy!"

Since her return for this country, to play for Everton, Rachel has noticed how massively popular the sport has become.

"It's no longer odd for girls to play football," she says. "There are all these stereotypes about women footballers, but none of them are valid.

"I'm just myself when I play football and, off the pitch, I'm just like any other girl in her 20s!"

England play Australia at Turf Moor tomorrow. Call 0870 4431914 for tickets.