International Women's U19 Friendly
Holland v England, SC Woerden FC, 6.00pm
29 March 2006

England Women's U19s take on Holland tonight in a warm-up game before they re-commence their European Championship qualifying campaign next month.

Mo Marley's side reached the UEFA European U19 Championship finals last summer in Hungary, and take on Romania, Denmark and Iceland in this season's second qualification phase, with games to be played in Romania between 25- 29 April 2006.

Tonight's game at SC Woerden will enable Marley to put her squad through their paces as they seek to reach this year's finals in Switzerland, knowing that since former Dutch midfielder Vera Pauw took over the development of the Dutch sides, the 'Oranje' will present a stiff test.

Netherlands coach Ed Engelkes believes his side have an excellent chance of reaching next summer's U19 Championship.

The Dutch last reached the final tournament in Leipzig in 2003 and would have reached the semi-finals had they not lost 2-1 to eventual winners France in their last pool fixture, yet women's football - under the astute leadership of Pauw - is on the up, as typified by the Senior side's superb 1-0 away victory against France in FIFA Women's World Cup qualifying recently.

Looking ahead to their qualifying group, Engelkes told uefa.com: "This draw has created opportunities for us and I wouldn't say I'm dissatisfied. If you take a look at what we could have had - Groups 1, 2 and 6 are very tough - then we have to think that we have a chance to see the Netherlands again in the final tournament.

"The team is progressing nicely and we could do well. We have some players in the U19 set-up who also play for the full national team, although they only do so when not on duty for the U19s."

Mo Marley's side will not be lacking in experience for tonight's game with four of her Everton side joined by a quartet of Fulham players, a sense of great pride to their Head Coach Marieanne Spacey.

The former England striker told TheFA.com: "We've had a tough season in the league but there is a development plan in place at the club which seeks to elevate players all the way through from recreational football, through different age groups to the reserves and then first team.

"Dunia Susi has great pace and when she runs at established international defenders every weekend for us, she scares them, and I'm sure she can do the same on the international stage.

"Meanwhile, Kylie Davis is probably one of the most consistent and unsung performers in the league this season."

Mini-tournaments will take place between 25 and 29 April 2006, with the seven section winners advancing to Switzerland, with Holland drawn alongside Italy, Hungary and Slovakia in their group.

England Squad:

Danielle BUET (Arsenal)
Danielle BIRD (Birmingham City)
Jessica CLARKE (Leeds United)
Kylie DAVIES (Fulham)
Natasha  DOWIE (Fulham)
Jayne EADIE (Everton)
Michelle EVANS (Everton)
Amy FOUND (Chelsea)
Danielle HILL (Everton)
Stephanie HOUGHTON (Sunderland)
Sian LARKIN (Arsenal)
Kelly LAWRENCE (Fulham)
Lianne SANDERSON (Arsenal)  
Heather SCHEUBER (Birmingham City)
Jill SCOTT (Sunderland)
Dunia SUSI (Fulham)
Carly TELFORD (Sunderland)
Fern WHELAN (Everton)