England's women prepare for Euro Championship with two upcoming friendlies.

England v Iceland
International Friendly
7.45pm, Thursday 16 July 2009
Weston Homes Community Stadium, Colchester United FC
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Following on from an impressive 3-0 friendly victory against Norway in April, Hope Powell’s England side will take on Iceland at Colchester United’s Weston Homes Community Stadium, in the first of two friendly internationals in July.

With the UEFA European Championship just three month’s away, Powell is keen to test her squad against significant opposition prior to the tournament and in fellow Championship qualifiers Iceland and Denmark, she should get her wish. 

"Playing Iceland and then Denmark in July will provide us with top quality opposition that will test the character and endeavour of the squad as we count down to Finland,” said Powell.

“Both these teams will be bringing strong squads to England in terms of their own preparation for the Euros, so the games will be a good gauge of where our squad is at and what level we will need to be playing at to compete and do well this summer.

“We are really looking forward to the double header in July and building on our good form so far this year. It will be great to keep the momentum going all the way up to Finland. It will also be our first visit to Colchester’s new stadium and we are hoping for a great crowd,” said the England coach.

Steve Bradshaw, Chief Executive of Colchester United Football Club, said, “It is an honour and a privilege to be hosting another international match here at the Weston Homes Community Stadium. Last year’s England U19 International was a sell-out and we are hopeful that the local community will come out in force again for this Women’s International Friendly.”

“It was always an aspiration to host international games and it is testament to the quality of the stadium that The Football Association has chosen the Weston Homes Community Stadium twice in the first 12 months of its existence.”

England have been drawn in Group C at the European Championship alongside Sweden, Russia and Italy, and play their first match of the tournament against Italy on 25 August at Lahti Stadium.

Media Accreditation: For all media requesting accreditation to the Iceland match, please contact: media@colchesterunited.net