MARK Sampson has named five North-East-born players in his final England Women’s squad for next Sunday’s friendly against Sweden at Hartlepool United’s Victoria Park.
Captain Steph Houghton, Jordan Nobbs, Lucy Bronze, Demi Stokes and Jill Scott all form part of the 23-woman squad that also includes Fara Williams, who could take over Rachel Yankey as England’s most-capped player if she features.
England host Pia Sundhage’s side on August 3 (2pm kick-off), ahead of their final World Cup qualifiers against Wales and Montenegro.
Sampson’s side are unbeaten in qualifying so far and need just one point from their remaining two games to secure a place at next summer’s tournament in Canada.
England: Goalkeepers: Karen Bardsley (Manchester City), Rachel Brown-Finnis (Everton), Siobhan Chamberlain (Arsenal). Defenders: Gemma Bonner (Liverpool), Lucy Bronze (Liverpool), Alex Greenwood (Everton), Steph Houghton (Manchester City), Alex Scott (Arsenal), Demi Stokes (University of South Florida). Midfielders: Laura Bassett (Chelsea), Jade Moore (Birmingham City), Jordan Nobbs (Arsenal), Jill Scott (Manchester City), Fara Williams (Liverpool). Forwards: Eniola Aluko (Chelsea), Karen Carney (Birmingham City), Jess Clarke (Notts County), Natasha Dowie (Liverpool), Toni Duggan (Manchester City), Fran Kirby (Reading), Lianne Sanderson (Boston Breakers), Dunia Susi (Notts County), Jodie Taylor (Washington Spirit).
Tickets for the Sweden match are on sale now priced £5 for adults and £2.50 for children. A family ticket (two adults and two children) is available at £10 and group booking discounts apply. Tickets can be purchased by calling 01429 272 584 (option 2), via http://ticketing.thefa.com/ or at the Hartlepool United ticket office.
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