Powell reveals squad for Dutch test
Monday, 10 October, 2011
Hope Powell has named a squad of 22 players to face Holland.
England Women’s National Coach Hope Powell has named her squad for the Euro 2013 qualifier away to Holland at the end of October.
Twenty of the 22-strong squad helped England collect four points against Serbia and Slovenia last month, while Eniola Aluko is welcomed back into the fold after her law studies saw the forward miss the aforementioned double-header, and midfielder Jade Moore has received her first call up to the senior team.
“I monitored Jade closely throughout the season,” said Powell of the Birmingham youngster. “She competed in midfield against some senior internationals and did really well.
“I know she has performed for the U19s and the U23s in the past and this gives me an opportunity to have a look at her in a senior team environment. It will be a challenge for her, but hopefully she can cope with it and I hope the experience gives her an added desire to make it a more regular occurrence.
“Holland are in a far better place than they have been in recent years,” continued Powell, “and their 6-0 win over Serbia will have boosted their confidence.
“I am expecting a very tough fixture, especially because the game will be played on a 3G pitch. That is an added pressure and we will need to prepare properly for that surface.
“This is an important game because we dropped two points against Serbia and we will be going out for the win, but we know we will need to be at our best.”
Faye White and Kelly Smith are still unavailable through injury.
Squad in full
Goalkeepers
Karen Bardsley (Linköpings – on loan from Sky Blue), Rachel Brown (Everton), Siobhan Chamberlain (Bristol Academy)
Defenders
Sophie Bradley (Nottingham Forest - on loan from Lincoln), Alex Scott (Boston Breakers), Casey Stoney (Lincoln), Dunia Susi (Birmingham City), Rachel Unitt (Everton), Fern Whelan (Everton)
Midfielders
Laura Bassett (Birmingham City), Dan Buet (Chelsea), Steph Houghton (Arsenal), Jade Moore (Birmingham City), Jill Scott (Everton), Fara Williams (Everton)
Forwards
Eniola Aluko (Sky Blue), Karen Carney (Birmingham City), Jess Clarke (Lincoln), Natasha Dowie (Everton), Ellen White (Arsenal) Rachel Williams (Birmingham City), Rachel Yankey (Arsenal)