Women's U23s Nordic Tournament
Vassa, Finland

Finland v England, Wednesday 18 July (Vassa, 6.30pm local time)
England v Germany, Friday 20 July (Vassa, 6.30pm local time)
England v TBC, Monday 24 July

In a busy time for England Women's teams, Brent Hills will take a squad of 18 players to the Nordic U23 Tournament on Monday.

The U23 tournament was won by Germany last year and in the past has been used by competing teams as a final testing ground before elevating players to their senior sides.

"This squad has a range of abilities and international experience" Brent told TheFA.com "but the level of competition we'll encounter can only be good for the development of our players.

"We have four players in the current senior squad of 30 and if they have a strong tournament, it will do them no harm at all, when it comes to Hope selecting her final 21 players for China (and the Women's World Cup).

"For others, it's a chance to show that they can do and press their claims for senior international recognition, whilst for Grace McCatty and Emma Thomas, this will their first taste at a higher level."

This year there are only six competing teams compared the usual eight, but plans have already been made for The Three Lions to play Norway on the last rest day, guaranteeing the players four very tough games.

"The four top ranked countries in the world will be in Finland" continued Brent "and that calibre of opposition is exactly what this squad of players needs to test themselves against.

"When Germany won last year, they had at least five players in their senior squad of 20.

"The first year of the competition, nine of the Danish squad were also in their senior team, so we know that the games will be hard.

"With the European U19 Finals also at the same time, it's far from a quiet summer for our players, but as we continue to try and close the gap on the likes of Germany and the USA, these experiences are invaluable for the players."

This summer, two of the squad. (Rachel Axon and Jodie Taylor) have kept match-sharp playing alongside Faye White in Canada, whilst Kimberly Dixson and Lynda Shepherd have been in Iceland.

England's first game is against hosts Finland next Wednesday at the Hietalahti Stadium in Vassa, and as always, TheFA.com will keep you updated on the progress of the squad.

England Squad: Nicola Hobbs (Leeds United), Carly Telford (Sunderland), Rachel Axon (Ottawa Fury), Kylie Davies (Chelsea), Michelle Hickmott (Birmingham City), Katie Holtham (Charlton Athletic), Kimberley Dixson (Charlton Athletic), Amy Kane (Everton), Kelly McDougall (Everton), Lynda Shepherd (Blackburn Rovers), Danielle Bird (Birmingham City), Carla Cantrell (Doncaster Rovers Belles), Gemma Davison (Arsenal), Jo Potter (Charlton Athletic), Dunia Susi (Chelsea), Jodie Taylor (Ottawa Fury), Emma Thomas (Watford), Grace McCatty (Bristol Academy)