England U23s to host Nordic Tournament at Lilleshall

Wednesday 11 May 2016
Abbie McManus (left) and Beth Mead have both been called up to the U23s

Lilleshall National Sports Centre in Shropshire will stage this year’s Nordic Tournament.

England Women’s Under-23s face three tough matches against Norway (on Thursday 2 June), Sweden (Saturday 4 June) and USA (Tuesday 7 June).

Nine of the Lionesses’ squad travelled to Canada for the FIFA Women’s U20s World Cup in 2014, while goalkeeper Lizzie Durack, defender Hannah Blundell and striker Beth Mead have all been called into the senior squad at various times.

Nordic schedule

v Norway, Thursday 2 June
v Sweden, Saturday 4 June
v USA, Tuesday 7 June

Head coach Mo Marley will be assisted by Gemma Grainger and Lydia Bedford.

Marley said: “The Nordics are a great opportunity for our players to get valuable experience of tournament football, which is hugely beneficial to their development.

“It will also be a chance for the players to test themselves against top level, established opposition in Norway, Sweden and USA and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

Players selected for the Nordics will still be eligible for selection for the England Women’s senior squad for their matches against Serbia in June.

The Nordic Tournament matches will be open to friends, family and invited guests only.

Goalkeepers: Sophie Baggaley (Birmingham City), Elizabeth Durack (Harvard University)

Defenders: Hannah Blundell (Chelsea), Molly Bartrip (Reading), Ellie Stewart (Everton), Jess Carter (Birmingham City), Millie Turner (Everton), Abbie McManus (Manchester City), Elisha N'Dow (Aston Villa)

Midfielders: Jade Bailey (Chelsea), Jodie Brett (Bristol City – on loan from Chelsea), Katie Zelem (Liverpool), Beth England (Chelsea), Jess Sigsworth (Doncaster Rovers Belles)

Forwards: Rosella Ayane (Bristol City – on loan from Chelsea), Carla Humphrey (Doncaster Rovers Belles – on loan from Arsenal), Millie Farrow (Bristol City – on loan from Chelsea), Melissa Lawley (Birmingham City), Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah (Everton), Beth Mead (Sunderland).

By FA Staff