A pacy, stylish centre-back, Fern has won a number of England caps at youth level.
She captained her country during the FIFA U20 World Cup in 2008, and after making her senior debut against Sweden in May the Everton defender is now on the verge of making a real breakthrough in Hope Powell's side.
Whelan came off the bench in the 2010 FA Women's Cup Final to help steer the Toffees to victory over Arsenal.