The countdown continues

The training camp will be held from Sunday 24th October, with players meeting up after their FA Nationwide Premier League fixtures, until Thursday 28th October at Lilleshall National Sports Centre.

The training camp will give Powell the opportunity to meet her players following last month’s double victory in the Netherlands, but England’s Arsenal contingent will be missing due to their involvement in the UEFA Women’s Cup Quarter-Finals.

USA-based striker Kelly Smith has been called up for her first squad since breaking her leg in league action for the New Jersey Wildcats this summer, while goalkeepers Rachel Brown and Karen Bardsley – recovering from a torn cruciate ligament and a broken leg respectively – return for the first time this year.

Brown is set to make a comeback for Everton next month, while Bardsley has played a handful of games for the University of California. There is also a recall for midfielder Sammy Britton of Everton, who has also recovered from an ACL injury.

Several young players who made their debuts against the Netherlands retain their place, while there is a first call-up for Wolves midfielder Emily Westwood – the only player in the squad representing a team from outside of the women’s top flight.

The England team has qualified automatically for Euro 2005 and has been playing a series of friendlies over the past two years in preparation for the Finals.

World champions Germany, Sweden, France and Denmark have also qualified via the Group Stage, while six teams will compete over the next two months in the UEFA play-offs for the remaining three places.

England will have further friendly internationals in the lead-up to the Championship, to be confirmed in due course.

England Squad for October's training camp