Four games in seven days in the Algarve Cup will take Hope Powell’s England side another step closer to their 05 June tournament opener against Finland at the City of Manchester Stadium, and it is possible that the two countries could meet in just over a week’s time.

With seven of the eight competing nations in action, players will be hoping to cement their places in respective squads for the summer.

For Hope Powell and her coaching staff, there is also a chance for their young squad to gain an invaluable insight into tournament football.

As Hope told TheFA.com today: "After two years of friendly internationals and training camps, the players know that we are less than three months away from the biggest tournament of most of their playing careers.

"The Algarve Cup will provide the whole camp, staff included, with the opportunity to work and train as we will have to in the Summer. Games will come quick and fast, some players may get a knock and others have to come in, and we will encounter different playing styles.

"All of these things will require our players to adapt, and it is our collective ability to do these things which may prove the difference in June.

"This week will give us all a chance to continue building on all the hard work of the past two years, and look to keep the momentum going from the performance against Italy last month."

TheFA.com will be in the Algarve, bringing you match reports and video highlights of England’s games, starting with Northern Ireland in Paderne on Wednesday afternoon.

England Women - Algarve Cup Squad

Karen BARDSLEY - California State University Fullerton, USA
Josephine FLETCHER - Birmingham City LFC
Leanne HALL - Fulham LFC
Laura BASSETT - Birmingham City LFC
Leanne CHAMP - Arsenal LFC
Becky EASTON - Everton LFC
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
Anita ASANTE - Arsenal LFC
Katie CHAPMAN - Charlton Athletic LFC
Vicky EXLEY - Doncaster Rovers Belles LFC
Rachel McARTHUR - Bristol City LFC
Kelly McDOUGALL - Everton LFC
Sally LACEY - Birmingham City LFC
Emily WESTWOOD - Wolverhampton Wanderers LFC
Fara WILLIAMS - Everton LFC
Eniola ALUKO - Charlton Athletic LFC
Amanda BARR - Birmingham City LFC
Karen CARNEY - Birmingham City LFC
Jody HANDLEY - Everton LFC
Ellen MAGGS - Birmingham City LFC
Kristy MOORE - Fløya LFC, Norway
Josanne POTTER - Birmingham City LFC
Lianne SANDERSON - Arsenal LFC
Sue SMITH - Leeds United LFC
Rachel YANKEY - Birmingham City LFC