England set qualifying test

The draw promises to test the host nation to the full, with only the top side going through to the next qualifying round.

The mini-tournament will be played between 27 September and 01 October 2005 and Burton Albion, AFC Telford and Tamworth FC have been chosen by The FA to host the six matches.

Should England make it through to the next stage they would then have to win another four-team mini-tournament to reach the annual eight-team Finals, which will be held in July 2006 in Switzerland.

It was the Swiss who ended England’s hopes this summer of qualifying for next year’s World U20 Women’s Championship after beating the Three Lions 2-1 in Hungary to clinch the final qualification spot at the 2005 UEFA U19 Championship.

The FA is delighted to be bringing an international women’s tournament to three such prestigious Non-League football venues, including the brand new Pirelli Stadium in Burton-upon-Trent.

National Women’s Coach Hope Powell said: "A vast majority of the current crop of U19 internationals played in the Championship Finals in July and have shown that they can perform well against the top sides in Europe.

"We are hoping that local football fans and players will turn out to cheer the team onto victory and they can expect to see some entertaining football played by emerging talent.

"Some of the players may go on to play for the senior squad, as have Karen Carney and Eniola Aluko in the last twelve months, and this tournament will play a key part in their development."

The young England side, who are coached by former England captain, and Everton Ladies Head Coach Mo Marley, will kick-off their European campaign at the Pirelli Stadium on Tuesday 27 September against the Faroe Islands at 6.30pm. Earlier that day Scotland will play Croatia at the same venue, kick-off 2.30pm.

The second match day, on Thursday 29 September at AFC Telford FC, will feature a 2.30pm kick-off between Faroe Islands and Scotland, then England will play Croatia at 6.30pm.

England will then return to play Scotland in their final qualifier at Burton Albion on Saturday 01 October, kick-off at 3pm. Croatia and the Faroe Islands will kick-off their final qualifier simultaneously at The Lamb, home to Tamworth FC.

UEFA European Women's U19 Championship

Date	Opponents	Venue	Comp	K.O.
27 Sept 05	Faroe Islands	TBC	ECQ	6.30
29 Sept 05	Croatia	TBC	ECQ	6.30
01 Oct 05	Scotland	TBC	ECQ	3.00