Stoney came through England's under-age squads, making her debut for the senior team in August 2000 as a substitute against France. She was named in the provisional 30-player squad for Euro 2001 but did not make the final list of 20 and remained on the standby list. She made her first start in March 2002 against Norway, and, after spells in central defence and at right back, went on to become England's first choice left back. In February 2003 Stoney wore the captain's armband when regular skipper Karen Walker was substituted in a 1–0 friendly defeat by Italy. Her first senior international goal came as England beat Portugal 4–0 in the Algarve Cup in March 2005.