England’s female footballers have arrived at their Leicester training camp today to finalise their preparations for the World Cup.
The 21 players selected by manager Hope Powell will go into the tournament ranked tenth in the world, but recent victories over higher ranked sides such as the USA and Sweden have given them real hope heading into the showpiece event.
So, who are these 21 women who will be hoping to strike gold in Germany?
Starting from the back, Everton’s Rachel Brown will do battle with Bristol Academy’s Siobhan Chamberlain and New Jersey’s Karen Bardsley for the number one shirt.
Despite Brown being England’s long-time first choice, American-born Bardsley has started England’s last two friendly victories, and looks to be in pole position for the opening game of the tournament against Mexico.
Moving into defence, where normally one of the first names on Powell’s teamsheet would be her experienced, dependable and almost irreplaceable skipper Faye White.
However, White’s inclusion in the squad was in serious doubt after she picked up a knee injury playing for Arsenal less than two months ago. Her weeks of rehabilitation have paid off though, and Powell was succifently impressed with her captain’s fitness levels to name her among a group of eight defenders.
Of the other seven, Sophie Bradley, Claire Rafferty and Dunia Susi will get their first taste of tournament football, while experience comes in the shape of vice-captain Casey Stoney, Everton’s Rachel Unitt and American-based duo Alex Scott and Anita Asante.
Much like White, midfielder Fara Williams has faced and won a personal battle to be fit for selection, and the Everton playmaker takes her place alongside club-mate Jill Scott, along with Arsenal veteran Rachel Yankey.
Also packing for Germany will be Laura Bassett, captain of table-topping Birmingham City, her team-mate Karen Carney, Lincoln’s Jess Clarke and Steph Houghton of Arsenal.
The forward line has a menacing look about it, with the vastly experienced Kelly Smith lining up for what is her fifth major tournament.
Aiming to partner Smith up front will be Arsenal’s Ellen White and Eni Aluko, who is currently playing her club football with Sky Blue F.C in America.
England begin their campaign against the Mexicans in Wolfsburg on June 27, with group fixtures against Japan and New Zealand to follow.
