ANITA ASANTE

Position

 Midfielder

Club

 Arsenal

D.O.B

 27.04.85

P.O.B

Caps

 30

Goals

 1

Debut

 v Ice, 05/04

Full Debut

 v N Ire, 03/05

First Goal

v Nor 05/05

A confident and assured player in both defence and midfield, Anita has shown on countless occasions just how cool she can be on the biggest stage.

Having dealt with the threat of Marinette Pichon in England's qualifier last year, Anita was calm and composed when coping with the threat of Birgit Prinz in Shanghai.

Having come through the U21 squad, Anita made her Senior debut in May 2004 in the 1-0 victory over Iceland.

Against Norway at Oakwell in April 2005, Anita scored her first international goal, in only her second start, securing a 1-0 victory for England.

Having only just returned to full match fitness following a long term injury, Anita has impressed with her commitment in returning to full fitness and has worked hard to secure a regular berth in the England squad.

Anita won her first England cap when she played in a friendly U17 tournament in Scotland and has 11 England caps at U17 and U19 level, being part of the squad that competed in the inaugural FIFA World U19 Youth Championship in Canada in 2002.

Anita joined Arsenal in 1998 and featured in the 2005 FA Women’s Premier League Cup Final victory over Charlton Athletic, coming on as a second-half substitute to earn a winners medal.

Anita started for England as they defeated Holland 4-0 at Charlton in their penultimate World Cup Qualifier, and then followed that up with a incredibly composed performance as England drew with France to clinch their place in China.
21 Sep 2007
VIDEO: Anita Asante from the Tianjin Olympic Centre

As England get a taste of the stadium in which they will face USA on Saturday, Anita Asante gives us her thoughts.

Last updated: 20 March 2008