England Women v Iceland
7.45pm, Thursday 9 March 2006
Norwich City FC

England Women’s team will be returning to Carrow Road for a Women’s International Friendly against Iceland on Thursday 9 March. Kick-off is at 7.45pm and you can book your tickets by clicking here.

England last played at Carrow Road in July 2002 when 8,034 supporters saw The Three Lions fall to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Nigeria.

The game will be the side’s last chance to fine-tune their preparations for a crucial Women’s World Cup qualifier on 26 March, when they face France at Ewood Park.

Having secured maximum points from their first three qualifiers away to Austria, Hungary and Holland, Hope Powell’s side will be looking to continue their fine run of form as they look to qualify for the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup in China.

England last played Iceland in May 2004, when a goal from Fara Williams was enough to see Hope Powell’s side earn a 1-0 win.

The two sides also met in a two-legged World Cup semi-final play-off in 2003. After a 2-2 draw in Reykjavik, England won the second leg at Birmingham City 1-0 to progress to the final play-off against France, only to be denied a place at the 2003 World Cup after a 2-0 aggregate defeat.

Hope Powell’s side will be looking for a large and vocal crowd at Carrow Road, in a region that is seeing a big growth in the number of girls taking up the game.

“Euro 2005 was a breakthrough moment for women’s football in this country, with 70,000 people watching England’s three games, and 8.2million people watching on television” said Hope.

“The players get a huge buzz out of playing in front of large crowds, and it was a great atmosphere against Nigeria, although sadly the result wasn't what we wanted.

“The game at Carrow Road is our first home game since last summer’s tournament, and I hope that as many football fans as possible come to cheer us on in a very important game for the side.”

Norwich City chief executive Neil Doncaster, commented: “Norwich City are delighted that the Football Association have chosen us to host yet another International fixture here at Carrow Road.  We very much hope that people come along and support the team in what is an important match ahead of a World Cup qualifying campaign.”

There will also be plenty for younger supporters to experience at the match with the Club’s very successful Soccer PM initiative taking place before the game in the Barclay Stand with lots of interactive activities and competitions.

The Norwich City Girls Centre of Excellence will also be taking part in the evening providing ballgirls and undertaking half-time pitch demonstrations.

England top Group Five after three games with maximum points and rose to 12th in the FIFA world rankings issued at the end of last year. Iceland are currently ranked 19th and sit third in their qualifying group after three games, behind Sweden and the Czech Republic.

Tickets for the game at Carrow Road are now on sale priced £5 for adults and £2.50 for concessions. Tickets can be purchased from the Norwich City ticket office or by calling the ticket hotline on 0870 444 1902.

Special group discounts are available for groups of over 15, with tickets costing just £1 per person, and booking forms can be downloaded here