England v Austria
World Cup Qualifier
Thursday 20 April 2006
Gillingham FC

09 March 2006
VIDEO: England 1-0 Iceland

Watch the highlights from Carrow Road as Karen Carney seals a win for England late in the second half.

The FA, in partnership with Nationwide can confirm that Gillingham FC’s Priestfield Stadium will host England Women’s World Cup Qualifier against Austria on Thursday 20th April 2006. Kick-off time is to be confirmed.

Following their superb start to the qualifying campaign, Hope Powell’s team will be looking to continue its march towards the 2007 World Cup in China having gathered maximum points from their opening three qualifiers, including last October’s 4-1 thrashing of the Austrians in Amstetten.

England National Coach, Hope Powell OBE, said: "Austria will be keen to get their own back on us having been on the end of a great display from the team last October, which is something we’ll obviously be wanting to repeat.

"The Austrians will be keen to kick-start their own qualifying campaign having won only once, so I’m expecting a tough, competitive game, which we hope will produce another win in our quest to qualify for China."

Sidcup-based England international, Katie Chapman, added: "I live not far away from the Priestfield Stadium, so, if selected, it’ll be great to play so close to home, as I know there’ll be plenty of local support cheering us on. 

"With the team having enjoyed a good run of form in earlier qualifiers, it’ll be nice to showcase our skills in front of a few familiar faces."

Paul Scally, Gillingham FC chairman, said: "We are delighted that international football is returning to Gillingham and I hope that Gills fans will embrace this game and get behind the England team.

"The match is only a couple of weeks before the end of our own League One campaign, so hopefully it will be another great occasion for our supporters to enjoy more football at the culmination of the season."

Tickets for the match will go on general sale from the Gillingham FC ticket office and ticket hotline - 01634 300000 - soon. 

Tickets are priced at £5 for adults and £2.50 for concessions.

There are special discounts available for schools and football clubs, on application to Gillingham FC.

Group booking forms can be downloaded by clicking here and advance group bookings can be made now.