The Football Association is delighted to announce that Burnley FC will host a pr

The Football Association is delighted to announce that Burnley FC will host a prestigious England women's international against Australia next month...

The match, presented in partnership with Nationwide, takes place at Burnley's Turf Moor ground on Thursday 4 September 2003, kick-off 7.15pm, and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.

It will be the first time that England goalkeeper Rachel Brown, who hails from Burnley, will have a chance to play in her home town. Rachel, 23 and England's second choice 'keeper, is hoping to be included in the squad that will be announced on Thursday and to make her mark at Turf Moor with a clean sheet.

This will be a tight game between England Women, who are ranked 13th in the FIFA World Rankings, against an Australia side who are ranked 15th. It will also be the first time in their 31-year history that England will play the Aussies.

England coach Hope Powell OBE said: "The England Women's team has played to some fantastically supportive audiences across the country over the past two years. Australia will be here to prepare for their World Cup campaign so will prove a strong test for our young England side, who are determined to earn their place in the squad leading up to Euro 2005.

"The girls will provide a great showcase of women's football - England's top female sport - and I hope that football fans across the North West will turn out to cheer us on against Australia."

Barry Kilby, Chairman of Burnley Football Club, added: "We are delighted that The F.A. has chosen Turf Moor as the venue to host the England Women's fixture against Australia.

"Women's football is the fastest growing sport in England and we are delighted that Burnley Football Club can play its part in the progress of the game. The England Women's team can be sure that the supporters of Burnley Football Club will turn out to support them."

The match will act as part of England's preparations for the UEFA European Championship in 2005, which England automatically qualify for as hosts of the tournament.

This fixture will kick-off the first of three huge football matches for the North West, with Manchester United hosting the England senior men's team and Everton hosting the Under 21s the following week.

Tickets for the match, priced at £3 for adults and £1 for concessions, are set to go on sale next week. For further details check out www.TheFA.com or call Burnley's ticket hotline number on 0870 443 1914.