Drugs confession rocks women's team

England women's preparations for tomorrow's European Championship play-off were thrown into disarray over the weekend when a key member of the squad admitted smoking marijuana.

Midfielder Sammy Britton, who plays for Everton, confessed to taking the drug soon after she and three others had taken part in the random drugs tests which are now part of normal FA procedure. Britton was released from the squad with immediate effect.

"I feel terribly ashamed," said Britton, who has won 44 caps for her country. "I have let Hope, the team and women's football down. I will accept the full consequences of my actions."

Britton was expected to start tomorrow's game against Ukraine. Her absence means a likely place in the starting 11 for Aran Embleton, of Doncaster Rovers.

England go into tomorrow's game at Leyton Orient holding a 2-1 lead from the first leg in Kiev three weeks ago. The winners over two legs will qualify for next summer's European Championship.