The experienced Casey Stoney has been included in the England Women's U21s squad.
Wednesday, 29 June 2005.
Head Coach Brent Hills has been able to select five over-age players for the 2005 Nordic Cup U21 Tournament, calling upon the experience of nine players who featured in Senior squads and training camps in the build-up to Women's Euro 2005.
England play in Group A along with Sweden, Norway and Finland, whilst Group B features Germany, USA, Iceland and Denmark.
Goalkeepers Karen Bardsley and Siobhan Chamberlain return to gain more experience on the international stage, whilst Rachel Axon, Lynda Shepherd, 
Jodain Clarke, Gemma Davison and Casey Stoney will all be looking to make their bow at U21 level, despite Stoney having earned 30 Senior caps.
Last July England drew with Iceland and Norway at the Nordic Cup in Iceland, and went down to a 2-3 defeat to Denmark and a 0-1 defeat to Sweden, the latter defeat avenged in October 2004 when a Michelle Hickmott goal gave England a 1-0 victory over Sweden.
After the success of Women's Euro 2005 when Hope Powell's squad - with an average age of 23 - came so close to qualifying for the Semi Finals, the tournament will provide Brent Hills with an invaluable opportunity to give some of England's most talented players some vital match-time against some of the most talented young players in the world.
Early next week, Brent will be introducing his squad to the the readers of TheFA.com, and of course we will be following their progress later next month.
England Women's U21s - Nordic Cup, 20-26 July 2005
|
Date |
Opponents |
Venue |
Comp |
K.O. |
|
20 Jul 04 |
 Finland |
Idrottsparken, Grums |
NIT |
16.00 |
|
22 Jul 04 |
 Norway |
Solviksvalllen, Arvika |
NIT |
16.00 |
|
24 Jul 04 |
 Sweden |
Str'vallen, Mallbacken |
NIT |
16.00 |
|
26 Jul 04 |
TBC |
TBC |
NIT |
TBC |