Smith will not travel to Paris

Thursday, 18 October, 2012

Kelly Smith withdrawn from England Women's squad as a precaution

France v England
A Women’s International
7.50pm BST, Saturday 20 October 2012
Charlety Stadium, Paris
Live on BBC Three

Kelly Smith is the third player to pull out of the England squad that will take on France on Saturday.

After Claire Rafferty and Rachel Brown were forced out with knee injuries earlier this week, Smith felt some tightness in her groin during training on Wednesday and has been withdrawn as a precaution.

She is expected to be back to full fitness in the next week.

Squad in full

Goalkeepers
Karen Bardsley (Linköping), Siobhan Chamberlain (Bristol Academy)
Defenders
Laura Bassett (Birmingham City), Sophie Bradley (Lincoln Ladies), Steph Houghton (Arsenal), Alex Scott (Arsenal), Casey Stoney (Lincoln Ladies), Dunia Susi (Chelsea).
Midfielders
Anita Asante (Göteborg), Jess Clarke (Lincoln Ladies), Karen Carney (Birmingham City), Jordan Nobbs (Arsenal), Jill Scott (Everton), Fara Williams (Everton), Rachel Yankey (Arsenal).
Forwards
Eniola Aluko (Birmingham City), Toni Duggan (Everton), Rachel Williams (Birmingham City), Ellen White (Arsenal).

* Claire Rafferty (Chelsea) withdrawn from squad due to knee injury
** Rachel Brown (Everton) withdrawn from squad due to knee injury
*** Kelly Smith withdrawn from squad due to tightness in her groin

What Do You Think?

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I do not think is really big deal lets face it If a player is injured then they are Injured and they are sencable to withdraw from the team Will the team suffer without them? Possiably as it can effect mental abilaty but England have just got to put it behind them and enjoy the game. It is better to take a full fit squad then it is to take three unfit players and not play them as it gives other a chance to play. I think England are good enough to win so It is unfortunate that the three are not playing but it is not the end of the world.By james (6 months ago)