The squad features nine players from the England squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2002 UEFA U19 European Championship Finals, where they lost to Germany by a single penalty. Champions Germany have already qualified for the July 2003 Finals as hosts.

One notable absentee from the squad is midfielder Fara Williams, a regular senior squad member who is still eligible for this age group. Fara, 19, has been out of action for five weeks with a stress fracture of her lower back.

England will meet up on Friday 11th April and will play three matches in venues across Bedfordshire, with the winner of the four-nation group qualifying automatically.

England face Republic of Ireland on Tuesday 15th April, Spain on Thursday 17th April and finally Denmark on 19th April.

Squad in full: Rachell Houldsworth - Sheffield Wednesday, Catherine Beaver - Manchester United, Shelly Cox - Leeds United, Beth Bailey - Birmingham City, Jo Traynor - Everton, Faye Cardin - Birmingham City, Georgie Adams, Laura Husselbee, Anita Asante, Sheuneen Ta - all Arsenal, Michelle Hickmott - Birmingham City, Kelly McDougall - Everton, Lisa Burrows - Arsenal, Kim Holden - Tranmere Rovers, Alex Scott - Arsenal, Katy Ward, Josanne Potter, Eniola Aluko - all Birmingham City

How to watch the games

Coach Mo Marley, the former England captain, said: "These are three important qualifying matches for us and this will be the first time we've played a tournament on home soil in four years. I hope the people of Bedfordshire will turn out in force to cheer the girls on to victory in all three of the games.

"Some of these girls are already playing in the senior team and there are players represented from some of the top teams in the country - Arsenal, Everton, Charlton Athletic and Birmingham City. This will be a good opportunity for local football fans to enjoy the upcoming stars of women's football."

Tuesday 15th April 2003

Spain v Denmark at 2.00pm
England v Republic of Ireland at 6.00pm
Both matches at Bedford Town FC

Ticket details: £1 adults & concessions - entry on the gate

Thursday 17th April 2003

Denmark v Republic of Ireland at 2.00pm
Spain v England at 6.00pm
Both matches at Arlesey Town FC

Ticket details: £1 adults & concessions - in advance via phone/fax - 01462 734512 - or on the gate

Saturday 19th April 2003

Republic of Ireland v Spain at 3.00pm
at Bedford United FC

Free entry on the gate

Denmark v England at 3.00pm
at Barton Rovers FC

England ticket details: £1 adults & concessions - in advance via phone/fax - 01582 882398 - or on the gate