KELLY SMITH

Born: Oct. 29, 1978, in Watford, England

Position: Forward

Clubs played for: Wembley L.F.C. (England), Arsenal L.F.C. (England) New Jersey Lady Stallions (U.S.A.), Philadelphia Charge (U.S.A.), New Jersey Wildcats (U.S.A.), Boston Breakers (U.S.A.)

International career: Smith made her national team debut in 1995, three days after turning 17, in a 1-1 draw against Italy. Her first international goal came in her second game that same month, a 5-0 win over Croatia. She guided England to the quarter-finals of the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup. That same year, she helped England win the four-nations China Cup, claiming the tournament MVP award in the process.

Why is she so special? Talented, committed and impactful are all apt descriptions of England's all-time leading scorer. Smith's skill and reputation has made her one of the most dangerous scorers in the women's game. She's also shown great character, battling through serious injuries and depression to prolong her successful career.

Her most famous moment: Smith scored a hat-trick against the Netherlands in 2006 in a World Cup qualifying match, leading Dutch coach Vera Pauw to herald her as "the best player in the world."

She said it: "I've been given a gift and I call it a gift because — even though it sounds arrogant — it comes naturally. This is my calling: to help put England on the map."

What they're saying about her: "I'm really pleased that Kelly is English and can be selected by England, because she could get in any team in the world." — Hope Powell, England national team coach

Here's an interesting fact: After playing collegiately in the U.S. for Seton Hall from 1997-1999, Smith wasn't too keen on returning to England, telling one newspaper, "I don't want to come home because women's [soccer] in England is a joke."