Megan-Rose Beard, 12, a pupil at Gamston's Bramcote Lorne School, won the coveted place after going up against the country's finest in national trials late last year.

And she will soon begin training with the squad in preparation for forthcoming fixtures planned against Scotland and Wales over the spring and summer after getting the nod from England selectors this week.

"This is just wonderful news but it was very nerve-racking doing the trial and then not knowing whether I'd made the grade," said Megan-Rose who lives in Hayton.

"There were 63 girls at the trial but they told us they would only be selecting 31 of us. After that there was a further selection process to help them find girls suitable for the A team, as well as a development squad and eight non-travelling reserves."

After waiting patiently for the phone to ring with the news, Megan-Rose was finally told she had been chosen to play rounders for England.

"One of the coaches called to tell me that I had been selected for England A. My parents have always given me lots of support – driving me around to training and encouraging me to do my best, and I can't wait until I get my England rounders team kit, so they can see me in it."

It is the latest sporting triumph for Megan-Rose, who has represented Bramcote Lorne at a range of sports since she was seven and plays hockey for Newark.

In December 2006, she was selected to represent Notts at hockey, while earlier that year she won the Lincolnshire challenge county tennis finals for 12s and under.

And in June last year, Megan-Rose showed off her equestrian expertise when she won a place at the Royal International Horse Show with her pony Dyfed Clara.

Headmaster Richard Raistrick said the entire school is delighted that Megan-Rose will represent her country.

"We are all very proud of Megan's achievements – she is a very talented young lady. She has played hockey for Notts and been an ever-present member of Bramcote Lorne's national title-winning orienteering teams," said Mr Raistrick.

"She is also a highly rated tennis player and a gifted rider. Her hard work and dedication have really paid off and we wish her all the very best in her sporting career."