Rachel Willmott has received a shock call-up to the England team competing in the World Under-19s Team Championships in Cairo.

The wonderkid from Horsham, who celebrated her 15th birthday two months ago, made her debut in last week's individual under-19s event in the Egyptian capital.

Willmott lost 3-1 to host player Nehal Yehia in the last 32 but the selectors were impressed with her performance and, despite being so young, fast-tracked her into the England team.

Her coach Mike Harris said: "Rachel only went out there for the experience but now she is one of the youngest players ever to be chosen for England in the team event.

"The only other player I can think of is Cassie Jackman who went on to be world champion and world No.1.

"Rachel's face lit up when I told her she had been picked.

"She thinks that within two years she can be world champion.

"She has played against girls four years older than she is and has seen nothing to be frightened of.

"All she needs to do is make a few changes and develop. There is no question she has the talent."

Willmott helped England lift the European under-17s title in Antwerp in June.

She retained her national under-15s title, having already won at under-13s and under-17s.

Harris said: "Rachel won her latest national title at a canter and looked good in the Europeans.

"Now she's proved herself at world level. I feel the sky is the limit for her."

Suzie Pierrepont, from Brighton and Hove, was defeated 3-1 by Egyptian Raneem El Wailley in the last 16 of the individual competition.

Pierrepont, England No.1 in the team event, was suffering from an upset stomach.

Harris said: 'Suzie had prepared well and was at the top of her game. Despite the circumstances, she did well.

"Taking a game off a decent Egyptian player feeling like she did was good going. "She could barely move in the match. She must have been in pain. I know I was."