The England Women’s team will return to Portsmouth next month to play against Denmark at Fratton Park,
The England Women’s team will return to Portsmouth next month to play an international match against Denmark at Fratton Park, live on Sky Sports.
Hope Powell’s England side will return to Pompey on Thursday February 19th – two years after their last victorious visit where they beat Portugal 3-0 in front of a crowd of 8,821, which was a record at that time.
The Football Association is delighted to be bringing Powell’s side back to Hampshire after the tremendous reception they received in 2002. The match, in partnership with Nationwide, will kick-off at 7.35pm and will be televised live on Sky Sports.
The international will act as part of England’s preparations for the UEFA European Women’s Championship in 2005, for which England automatically qualify as hosts of the tournament.
National Coach Hope Powell said: "The team will be delighted to be returning to Portsmouth after the excellent support we received two years ago. The people of Hampshire turned out in force and spurred us on to a great victory against the Portuguese that day.
"We are now preparing for the most important event in English women’s football history – the 2005 UEFA European Championship Finals which we are hosting next summer. The players are all competing for their place in the final squad and are determined to prove their worth.
"Denmark are placed higher than us in the world rankings, so will provide tough opposition and local England fans can expect to see some great football on display."
England Women are currently placed 13th in the FIFA World Rankings, while Denmark are ranked in 8th place. In 12 meetings between the two sides, England have won four times, lost five and drawn three.
England’s last outing in November 2003 at Preston North End FC resulted in a 5-0 victory over Scotland.
Peter Storrie, Chief Executive of Portsmouth FC, said: "It is an honour to once again to stage a match like this.
"Women’s football is growing as a spectator sport and we have our own Ladies team, who are doing very well in the FA Premier League. I’m sure this match will be a great success, just like the one we held at Fratton Park two years ago."
Tickets for the match, priced at £3 for adults and £1 for concessions, are set to go on sale next week. There will be special group rates for local clubs and schools and booking forms are available now. For further details check out TheFA.com or call Portsmouth FC’s ticket hotline number on 023 9261 8777.