France

1-1

England

Diguelman, 89

 

Lattaf (og), 64


World Cup Qualifier
Saturday 30 September 2006
Stade de la Route Lorient, Rennes FC
Photo Gallery - Click Here

England have done it, they have qualified for the World Cup. But just how much do you know about Hope Powell's heroes? Allow us to introduce the players that booked the Three Lions place in China next year.

It was a dramatic evening in Rennes as England made it to their first World Cup in 12 years, Mary Philip captained the side in the absence of Faye White through injury and Anita Asante kept her place at the heart of the defence.

In the intimidating atmosphere of Le Stade de la Route Lorient with 19 thousand vocal French supporters driving their team on, England stood firm. They played composed and confident football and got the reward for years of hard work.

The players who had juggled their families, full time jobs and numerous other obstacles to fulfill their dreams of playing for their country finally had their reward. Players like Kelly Smith, Rachel Brown and countless others who had sacrificed so much to overcome injury and make it back into an England shirt.

For their courage and never-say-die attitude to come so far and take that final step to glory - they were heroes.

Introducing the heroes...

Goalkeeper
Everton
Age: 26, Caps: 37
Rachel made history in The FA Women's Cup playing for Liverpool at just 15, she has gone on to play a crucial role for England as the last line of defence. PROFILE CLICK HERE

Right-back
Arsenal
Age: 21, Caps: 20, Goals: 3
Alex burst onto the scene with Arsenal and grabbed her place for England at Euro 2005. Alex is noted for her determination and powerful tackling. PROFILE CLICK HERE

Centre-back
Arsenal
Age: 21, Caps: 13, Goals: 1
A dominant and assured defender, who is equally comfortable at the heart of midfield, Anita has very quickly made a big impact with England. PROFILE CLICK HERE

Centre-back
Arsenal
Age: 29, Caps: 50
Mary is the only remaining player from England's only previous World Cup appearance in 1995. A leader at the back, Mary also coaches her sons' team. PROFILE CLICK HERE

Left-back
Everton
Age: 24, Caps: 58, Goals: 4
A stubborn yet graceful full-back with tremendous energy, Rachel was voted 2006 England Women's Player of the Year by fans on TheFA.com. PROFILE CLICK HERE

Central midfielder
Arsenal
Age: 24, Caps: 50, Goals: 2
Katie is a tenacious tackler and despite her young age has cemented her place in England's side for the crucial job she does in front of the back four. PROFILE CLICK HERE

Central midfielder
Everton
Age: 22, Caps: 41, Goals: 14
Fara is another of the young players who have achieved a great deal in such a short time. A fine passer of the ball, Fara is also a set-piece expert. PROFILE CLICK HERE

Right winger
Arsenal
Age: 19, Caps: 20, Goals: 4
A tricky and courageous wide player, Karen has made a huge impact and always causes a buzz of excitement whenever she gets on the ball. PROFILE CLICK HERE

Attacking central midfielder
Arsenal
Age: 28, Caps: 53, Goals: 18
Described recently by Holland's coach Vera Pauw as the 'best player in the world' Kelly is crucial to England's success. An exceptional talent. PROFILE CLICK HERE

Centre-forward
Charlton Athletic
Age: 19, Caps: 18, Goals: 3
Eni juggled playing up front for England with her A-Levels last summer during Euro 2005. A pacy and skillful striker, Eni has enormous potential. PROFILE CLICK HERE

Left-winger
Arsenal
Age: 28, Caps: 65, Goals: 9
The most experienced current England player, Rachel has a cultured left foot and pace to burn. At the end of last year she was awarded an MBE. PROFILE CLICK HERE

Right or left-back and centre-back
Charlton Athletic
Age: 24, Caps: 39, Goals: 1
Casey has been a consistent member of the England side for the past four years. She captained Charlton to The FA Women's Cup in 2005. PROFILE CLICK HERE

Goalkeeper
Bristol Academy
Age: 23, Caps: 3
Siobhan has provided cover for Rachel Brown for the past two years after making her name as a fine shot stopper in England's youth setup. PROFILE CLICK HERE

Right or left-back and centre-back
Lindsay Johnson
Age: 26, Caps: 13
Lindsay is a versatile and athletic defender, who can play anywhere across the back four. Lindsay has pace, a good engine and is very strong in the air. PROFILE CLICK HERE

Central midfielder
Everton
Age: 19, Caps: 1
Affectionately referred to by her fellow players as 'Crouchy' due to her height, Jill is elegant on the ball and a very composed and promising midfielder. PROFILE CLICK HERE

Winger
Leeds United
Age: 26, Caps: 58, Goals: 14
Sue has been around the England setup since making her debut nine years ago against Germany. A tireless runner with great experience. PROFILE CLICK HERE

Centre-forward
Arsenal
Age: 18, Caps: 1
A very promising striker, Lianne has made a huge impact in the youth setup and at Arsenal where she has flourished into a fearless goalscorer. PROFILE CLICK HERE

Centre-forward
Everton
Age: 27, Caps: 25, Goals: 5
Jody is a hugely popular part of the squad and has tremendous energy and physical strength. As defenders will tell you she is a difficult proposition. PROFILE CLICK HERE

Centre-forward
Blackburn
Age: 24, Caps: 37, Goals: 10
A proflific goalscorer for England's U18 side, Amanda was one of the first players to graduate from The FA National Player Development at Loughbrough. PROFILE CLICK HERE

Central Midfielder
Doncaster Rovers Belles
Age: 30, Caps: 47, Goals: 6
A powerful tackler and possesor of an even more powerful shot, Vicky can be an intimidating prospect for any opponent and plays a vital role for Doncaster. PROFILE CLICK HERE

Centre-back
Arsenal
Age: 28, Caps: 50, Goals: 4
Currently out with a knee injury, England's captain will be doing everything to make it back for the World Cup next summer. A true leader. PROFILE CLICK HERE