Oxtoby said that Magill “fell naturally” into a leadership role and is a leader away from the pitch as well as on it.

“It’s about behaviours, not just when people are watching, but when they’re not,” added Oxtoby.

“Simone has been there and done it on every level.

“She is really helping the younger players coming through by sharing that knowledge and those experiences. That’s a part of leadership.”

Oxtoby added that she worked through a rigorous process and involved players and coaching staff.

“What did we want leadership to look like within the group, and what traits and behaviours?

“Simone epitomises all those things and she was doing it before the process even started.

“I’m really pleased for her that she gets the opportunity to walk out tomorrow night and lead her country. It’s nothing more than she deserves.”

Defender Laura Rafferty captained the side between Callaghan stepping down and Magill’s confirmation and Oxtoby says she is “blessed with really good leaders”.

“They are all different leaders and they all have a different approach to leadership,” the Australian added.

“They are all taking the younger players under their wings. We have a fairly young squad. I feel like we have a really good balance in there at the moment.

“Whether you have got the armband or you don’t, we are looking out for each other. The playing group are really buying into that, so it’s a nice place to be.”