By Tony Leighton and Jamie Bradbury. Tuesday, 17 May 2005.
National Coach Hope Powell has opted for a classic mix of youth and experience in selecting the 20-player squad that will next month contest the UEFA European Women’s Championship finals in the North West of England.
Eight of the England squad from the Women’s Euro 2001 have been named, but there are also six players who have only this season made their senior international debuts.
But it was by no means an easy task for Powell narrowing her squad down from 30. A similar job to that which she had to undertake four years ago, but Powell admits that, for the 2001 Women's European Championship, the final squad almost picked itself.
"It was problematic, but a nice problem to have. It shows how far we have come," says Powell.
"We had to name a squad of 30 in case of injuries we could bring one of them in," she added.
"It's understandably disappointing for those who have missed out, they've worked very hard over the last two years. If we could have picked 30, we would have, but we can't.
"But the selection of the final 20 was very competitive right up to the last minute. We've given all the players lots of chances to prove themselves this year, certainly in the last game against Norway, and some of the behind-closed-doors games, and they've shown their worth."
Birmingham City’s 17 year-old right winger Karen Carney, the youngest member of the squad, had not pulled on a senior shirt until February but has impressed Powell and her management team sufficiently to gain a place ahead of experienced players such as Leeds United’s Sue Smith and Bristol City’s Rachel McArthur.
Announcing her squad at Soho Square, Hope added: "The 2001 squad picked itself.
"This time around I had long debates about certain players, but I’m happy that I’ve got a good mix of experience, youth and a lot of talent.
"The younger players have experienced tournament football at Under-19 and Under-21 levels and they also showed at the recent Algarve Cup tournament that they can cope at the highest level in senior football.
"The players are on a high after some very good recent results, which have been great for team morale, but now they have to do it in the tournament because that’s where it really counts."
Birmingham, as well as supplying the youngest member of the squad, will also provide its most experienced in left winger Rachel Yankey, who is set to win her 54th cap in next week’s final pre-tournament friendly international against the Czech Republic at Walsall FC’s Bescot Stadium.
Birmingham and Everton will each be represented by five players while Arsenal will have four at the finals including captain Faye White, who was a fringe player at the 2001 tournament but will be central to England’s efforts at the Women’s Euro 2005.
"It’s going to be the highlight of my career, no question," said the 27-year-old central defender. "It was good to be involved in 2001, but this will mean so much more for me and all the other players with the finals being played in our own country.
"It’s also a great opportunity to showcase women’s football and take it to a different level. The game has improved massively in recent years and with some of the world’s best teams coming to play in the tournament, we can hopefully leave a lasting legacy for the sport in England."
White’s club colleague Kelly Smith is one of three players who have recovered from injury to be named in the squad and Powell will be hoping to show glimpses of the form that made her a strike sensation in the United States at New Jersey and Philadelphia.
"Kelly's had a lot of injuries to deal with, it's been a difficult two years for her and at times she was uncertain whether she'd come back," Hope explains.
"I'm really pleased with her attitude and application and I'm pleased for her in the fact that she's come through it and delighted to be able to name her."
Everton goalkeeper Rachel Brown and Charlton Athletic midfielder Katie Chapman also proved their fitness ahead of the squad announcement, leaving the National Coach in the happy position of being able to select from a fully fit complement of players.
After her team’s recent run of results Powell will lead them into the eight-nation tournament with some confidence, but she refused to make any predictions when looking ahead to the big event.
"Like all the other coaches," she said, "the first aim will be to get out of the group and that’s all I’ll be thinking about at the start of the tournament."
England will kick off the tournament with a Group A fixture against Finland at the City of Manchester Stadium on Sunday 5 June.
Denmark and Sweden are England’s other group opponents, while Group B contains European and World champions Germany plus Norway, France and Italy.
All 15 of the tournament’s matches will be televised live on Eurosport, with England’s games and the final being shown live on BBC Two.
THE ENGLAND SQUAD
Goalkeepers
Rachel Brown (Everton LFC), Josephine Fletcher (Birmingham City LFC), Leanne Hall (Fulham LFC)
Defenders
Lindsay Johnson (Everton LFC), Mary Phillip (Arsenal LFC), Alex Scott (Birmingham City LFC), Casey Stoney (Charlton Athletic LFC), Rachel Unitt (Everton LFC), Faye White (Arsenal LFC)
Midfielders
Anita Asante (Arsenal LFC), Katie Chapman (Charlton Athletic LFC), Vicky Exley (Doncaster Rovers Belles LFC), Emily Westwood (Wolverhampton Wanderers LFC), Fara Williams (Everton LFC), Kelly Smith (Arsenal)
Forwards
Amanda Barr (Birmingham City LFC), Karen Carney (Birmingham City LFC), Jody Handley (Everton LFC), Rachel Yankey (Birmingham City LFC), Eniola Aluko (Charlton Athletic)
Click here for the full Women's Euro 2005 fixtures schedule...
| TICKETS PRICES |
|
£5 - Adults |
£2.50 - Concessions |
|
| TICKET HOTLINES: |
GROUPS |
| Blackburn Rovers: |
08701 123 456 |
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| Blackpool: |
0870 443 1953 |
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| Manchester City FC: |
0870 062 1894 (option. 1) |
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| Preston North End: |
0870 442 1966 |
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| Warrington Wolves: |
01925 248888 |
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There will also be a Special group rate: £1 per ticket for groups of 15 or more (must include three adults per group of 15 to supervise children). Email womenseuro2005@ptarmiganpr.co.uk for further details or click on the links above to download the booking forms.
These prices will also remain the same for the Semi Finals and Finals.