England kick-off their Nordic U21 Women's Cup campaign against Finland tonight.
Tonight in Sweden, the most talented U21 players in England will kick-off their Nordic U21 Women's Cup campaign against Finland, knowing that a series of good performances could put them into contention for the FIFA 2007 Women's World Cup qualifying campaign.
Women's football reached new heights during Euro 2005 when over 117,000 fans witnessed fifteen days of attacking football in the North West of England.
With the likes of Karen Carney, Kelly Smith and Faye White becoming recognised stars and the players being besieged for autographs, a new chapter in the women's game has hopefully been written.
Charlton Athletic defender Casey Stoney will captain the side and TheFA.com will announce the rest of the starting eleven later this afternoon, but first, concluding the two-part feature from yesterday, Head Coach Brent Hills introduces you to his squad.
Kelly McDougall (Everton)
A regular in the Everton side in midfield, Kelly has also been involved in the England senior set-up for over a year now, and featured in Everton’s narrow FA Women’s Cup Final defeat to Charlton Athletic in May 2005.
Anita Asante (Arsenal)
Anita has five senior caps for England and most recently against Norway at Oakwell in May 2005, she scored her first international goal. Anita is a player with great versatility and ability. She is a skilful and hard working midfielder who can play in both defensive and attacking roles.
Lynda Shepherd (Stockport County)
Lynda has come into the international set-up quite late and is looking for her first taste of tournament match play. A committed box-to-box player, she has the potential to develop with further experience.
Jessica Smith (Charlton Athletic)
A member of the Addicks’ FA Women’s Cup winning team last season, she has the ability to stake a regular claim for an U21 spot and begin to push for a place in the senior ranks.
Josanne Potter (Birmingham City)
Jo has progressed from the U19 squad and featured in a number of senior training camps in the build-up to Euro 2005. Jo joined Birmingham City at the start of last season alongside fellow former Arsenal players Ellen Maggs and Alex Scott.
Ellen Maggs (Birmingham City)
Ellen is a small, fast and skilful striker. She made her Senior debut in May 2003 against Canada. Will be hoping for a big season at club level to propel her back into the senior squad, for the 2007 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Gemma Davison (Arsenal)
Gemma has featured in previous U17 and U19 squads and shows good potential. She has been taken on this trip to gain experience and exposure to a higher level of international competition.
Michelle Hickmott (Coventry City)
Michelle has been a feature of England squads for the past four years and scored in the 1-0 victory over Sweden last October. Technically a very skillful player who is also versatile.