China in your hand

Brent Hills has challenged his England Under-21 players to win a place at next year's World Cup in China.

The Head Coach is currently preparing for Wednesday's clash with France at Exeter's St James' Park and wants the players to push on and force their way into Hope Powell's senior side.

"Since the team has been in place there have been a number of players who have cemented their places in the senior squad based on their performances in the U21s," he said.

Hills added that players should use Jill Scott as their role model.

The Everton midfielder, who cracked a hat-trick over the weekend, is part of the current U21 squad but has pushed her way into the senior team after a string of fine performances, resulting in her winning two caps, the latest on the recent trip to Germany.

"We're hoping that there will be others who will make that step up, certainly Jill Scott is one who has done very well," said Hills. "Jill came off the bench against Holland in the World Cup Qualifier at Charlton, she also came on in Germany.

"We want as many players as possible to use the U21s as a stepping stone to the senior team and this game is a critical juncture."

England Women have booked a place at the 2007 World Cup in China after finishing top of their qualifying group, but Hills insists there are places up for grabs.

"Both Hope and myself have said to the players, and will continue to reinforce the message that you always have the opportunity to progress if you work hard enough.

"If you look at the European Championship in 2005, I think that the Nordic Cup in the previous year was a vital step for both Alex Scott and Anita Asante in making it to the Euros.

"That is no different to the players that are around now - they have a real chance to stake a claim of going to the World Cup," he said.

Here is the full squad: