The 28-year-old Servette Geneva full-back, born in France to Ghanaian parents, reported to camp in Birmingham last Thursday in high spirits after completing her nationality switch.

She previously featured for France’s U-23 side in 2021 but now steps into Coach Kim Lars Björkegren’s 24-woman squad as Ghana brace for a stern test against the European champions at St Mary’s Stadium.

For Simon, whose Ghanaian heritage has always tugged at her heart, the moment her call-up was confirmed was nothing short of emotional. It was more than just another career milestone—it was deeply personal.

“I’m very glad and happy; it’s an honour,” she said in her first interview with ghanafa.org. “Ghana is my motherland. When I saw my name, I called my mother immediately. I was so happy. It was like a dream because I’ve wanted this for a long time.”

Her inclusion injects fresh pedigree into a Black Queens side eager to reassert themselves after securing bronze at the last Women’s AFCON.

She arrives with elite experience, having lined up for some of Europe’s top clubs: Reims, PSG, Juventus, Atlético Madrid, Valencia, Sassuolo and now Swiss giants Servette.

Simon admitted she was pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome she encountered in camp, which reaffirmed her belief that she had come to the right place.

“My teammates are so nice. They were happy with my first call. I was also surprised by the level in the team—they are really good players.”

A naturally explosive full-back, Simon describes herself as a player capable of influencing both ends of the pitch.

“I can dribble; I can contribute offensively and defensively, and I have speed,” she said, qualities that are expected to strengthen Ghana’s defensive structure as they build towards a new era.

Off the pitch, however, she paints a softer picture: “I am a nice girl. I can dance and I can smile with everyone. I’m a little shy, I can say.”

Looking ahead, Simon’s ambitions with Ghana stretch far beyond a debut outing against England. Her sights are firmly set on helping the team book a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“I don’t feel any pressure,” she said. “Just as our coach said, the objective is to be at the World Cup in one and a half years. That is my wish too.”

She also had a message for the next generation of aspiring female footballers.

“If you love football, just play. Don’t worry about people saying you’re not good enough or that you’re a girl. Focus on your goals. If you have an objective, go straight to it.”

With her versatility, calmness and high-level experience, Simon’s arrival provides a significant boost for the Black Queens as they prepare for one of their toughest international tests—and plot a bold return to the global stage.