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Ruby Mace made her England senior debut last year against Switzerland Everton have signed England midfielder Ruby Mace from Leicester City for a club record fee. The Toffees would not disclose the size of the deal but it is believed to be considerably more than the £100, 000 bid they had turned down earlier this summer by Leicester. Mace, who has signed a three-year deal, made 12 appearances for Leicester after joining them on a permanent basis from Manchester City in 2024 and had a year remaining on her contract. The 21-year-old had a successful loan spell at Leicester from City the season before and is regarded as one of England's most promising young talents. "It hasn't really sunk in yet. It all happened so quickly but I'm really happy to be here, " Mace told BBC Sport. "When I spoke to [Everton manager] Brian Sorensen, it was about the style of play and the ambition of the club. "Also, just being able to showcase what I can do in a team that, feels to me, like it could be a level up. That's what I need in this point in my career to push forward. " Mace made her England senior debut in December 2024, starting in a 1-0 friendly victory over Switzerland. She missed out on selection for England's victorious Euro 2025 campaign, but is aiming to break into Sarina Wiegman's squad on a consistent basis with regular game time at Everton. "I want to make my game better. I still have so much to work on but to be given the opportunity to come here and work with amazing players, hopefully that can elevate me, " added Mace. "My main focus is on club football now but if that [England] comes too, I'd be really grateful. It's something I want to happen. I have to work hard and really earn my spot there because it is not easy. " Mace is the latest addition during a busy summer for Everton in which they have shown ambition under new owners The Friedkin Group. She says the club want to prove themselves - and there is no better occasion than a Merseyside derby at Anfield in Sunday's season opener to do that. "If the whole club backs you, you will do well. It's really good to have the backing of everyone at the club, " said Mace. "Obviously we want to get as high up the table as possible. If you set your mind to that I don't see any reason why that can't happen. "It's insane. The first game, against Liverpool at Anfield, is a big one. It just shows what the game is about playing in big stadiums like that. " Head here to get involved Get the latest WSL news on our dedicated page The art of the free transfer - and why Real Madrid are masters of it US Open: De Minaur breaks Auger-Aliassime in first set of quarter-final Who will win Super Bowl & be MVP? NFL pundits' predictions Playdough, free bread and peeing in the shower Your weekly go-to for women’s football A unique new dating series hosted by Davina Mc Call Richard Osman reflects on his novel The Thursday Murder Club The art of the free transfer - and why Real Madrid are masters of it Who will win Super Bowl & be MVP? NFL pundits' predictions 'People assume you're not trying' - James on England criticism From coma to World Cup in three years - Burton savours comeback Electric New York energy reignites etiquette debate Glasner wins Guehi transfer battle at Liverpool's expense - how deal fell through Arsenal's Kelly, Russo and Mc Cabe discuss football 'icks' Video Arsenal's Kelly, Russo and Mc Cabe discuss football 'icks' 'Liverpool's record-breaking summer has surely made title a formality' Which NFL team should you support? What does Australia's Hundred dominance mean for women's cricket? Transfers - September 2025 Q&A: Norris' title hopes - and Antonelli 'like an artichoke' In Pictures: Sporting photos of the week 'A sour taste' - inside a summer like no other in Newcastle's history 'Donald banking on experience for Ryder Cup bear pit' The player power fallout: 'Despicable' stars or 'hypocritical' clubs? Who won the Scottish Premiership transfer window? Invincibles three-peat - how they did it and why era could be ending Who is at risk as Welsh rugby consultation starts? Gene tests begin in women's athletics - new rule explained Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.