Casey Stoney relishing German test at Wembley

Friday 12 Sep 2014
Casey Stoney captained Team GB at Wembley in 2012

Casey Stoney cannot wait for England Women’s first match at the new Wembley Stadium - against two-time world champions Germany.

The historic encounter will take place on Sunday 23 November and will act as the Three Lions’ first piece of World Cup preparation following their qualification last month.

In 2012, Stoney captained Team GB to a 1-0 win over Brazil in front of more than 70,000 fans under the Arch.

England v Germany

Women's International Match
3pm, Sunday 23 November 2014
Wembley Stadium connected by EE
Tickets priced £10 adults, £1 children
Buy via www.TheFA.com/Tickets
Or call 0844 826 2010

And she is relishing the prospect of playing at the Home of Football with England.

Stoney told BBC Sport: “To face Germany and have the chance to represent England at Wembley for the first time is massive for everyone concerned.

“Many of the squad got the chance to play at Wembley while representing Great Britain at the London Olympics and it was an historic night.

“We beat Brazil 1-0 in front of 70,000 fans and, from a footballing point of view, it was the best night of my life. Hopefully we can create that sort of atmosphere again.

“It might be unrealistic to expect the same number of supporters for the Germany game, but it is another proud moment for women's football.

“In the past, perhaps the women's game wasn't quite ready to host an occasion like this but with qualification for the World Cup now sealed, and against a top team like Germany, it should be an evening to savour.”

Former England skipper Stoney donned the armband for the opening three World Cup qualifying wins – against Belarus, Turkey and Wales.

The 32-year-old, who has earned 117 caps since making her debut in 2000, then went on to score the opening goal in the 2-1 win over Ukraine in June and was a part of the squad that sealed qualification in Wales.

Stoney believes facing a side that have won two World Cups and seven of the last eight European Championships is the ideal way to get ready for next summer’s showpiece.

She added: “We should approach the game confidently as our record against the top teams in friendlies has been quite good over the past few years.

“Before the 2011 World Cup we beat the United States and we also drew with world champions Japan on home soil before Euro 2013.

“But, of course, that means nothing if we can't produce those performances at the World Cup and we will want to try and improve on our past two showings where we reached the quarter-final stage.”

Before Germany, though, England must finish their World Cup qualifying campaign in Montenegro on 17 September.

By FA Staff