AUSTRIA vs ENGLAND

Smith and Carney recalled

Thursday, 05 August, 2010

Hope Powell names squad for final World Cup qualifier, in Austria.

Hope Powell has named a squad of 22 players for England’s final World Cup qualifier against Austria in Krems on Saturday 21 August.

A 3-0 victory over Turkey at Banks’s Stadium last week clinched top spot in Group 5 and a subsequent spot in the play-offs, but the Three Lions need a victory in Austria to boost their chances of being one of the top seeds in the play-off draw.

Kelly Smith and Karen Carney have been recalled after both players rested injuries against Turkey. They come into the squad in place of Dani Buet and Carly Telford.

“It’s important we win the game because we want to be as high in the play-off seedings as possible and I have obviously selected a strong squad for that very reason,” explained Powell.

“I’m pleased that we have secured top spot with a game to spare but we’re not at the World Cup yet. We must beat Austria and hope that Scotland do us a favour against Denmark to give ourselves the best possible chance in the play-offs.”

The two-legged play-offs will take place on 11/12 and 15/16 September.

The Squad