Women's World Cup Qualifier - England v Germany
Women's World Cup Qualifier - England v Germany
It is not just Sven-Goran Eriksson's side who are getting World Cup fever. The England Women are gearing up for the latest round of their World Cup campaign too. And they will be hoping that fans in London will lend their support to England when they take on Germany at Crystal Palace FC on Sunday.
England Women face an uphill struggle against Germany - England have never beaten the current European champions in their previous 12 meetings. But with pride at stake in the game on Sunday, which kicks-off at 4.00pm, England could break their unhappy record.
England's final Group Four qualifying match will be televised live on Sky Sports. Germany, unbeaten so far, have already won the group and have automatically qualified for the 2003 FIFA World Cup Finals in China. Whatever the result at Selhurst Park, England have been guaranteed a runner-up finish and a place in the World Cup play-off semi-final in August.
The Women's Team has also lent its support to the men's team, currently out in Dubai preparing for their World Cup bid. Members of the England Women's management and players lined up after their training session to sign the Nationwide and F.A. England flag to show their support, alongside nearly 200,000 fans who have already lent their names to the support campaign.
National Women's Coach Hope Powell has picked a young squad for the Germany game, featuring several 18-year-olds and the watching public may see some stars of the future get a run-out.
Two weeks ago, The Football Association held the F.A. Women's Cup Final at Selhurst Park where Fulham beat Doncaster Belles 2-1. The game was broadcast live for the first time on BBC1 and attracted an audience of 2.5 million. The two players who scored the winning goals for Fulham, Katie Chapman and Rachel Yankey, are expected to feature in the World Cup qualifier on Sunday.
There are some tickets still available for the game. Priced at just £3 for adults and £1 for children/OAPs or £5/£1 on the gate, it is advisable to book in advance via the ticket hotline on 0208 771 8841, by fax on 0208 653 4708 or via the website: www.cpfc.co.uk. There will be entertainment prior to the game and at half-time.