With the World Cup in Germany just over four months away this season’s Cyprus Cup holds more significance than previous campaigns.
While the tournament will be a great experience for the 20 players travelling to Cyprus in the lead up to the World Cup, which begins on June 26, it will also supply a model platform for these players to impress Hope Powell, the National team coach, and claim a spot on the World Cup team.
England have been placed in Group A, their first match of the tournament will take place on March 2 against Italy, followed by a show-down with Scotland on March 4 and Canada on March 7.
One final game will take place on March 9 against any one of the other eight nations, depending on the final group standings.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Related stories:
England v USA – Women’s International Football
Football: England to face USA in friendly in London
London 2012: West Ham stadium bid selected
……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Group B includes: France, Holland, New Zealand and Switzerland.
Group C: Mexico, Northern Ireland, Russia, South Korea
England faced Canada and Italy in last season’s competition, losing 1-0 to the Canadians before securing a 3-2 victory over Italy.
“The Cyprus Cup is important for us because, although playing one-off games is great, it’s important players understand the demands of tournament play, especially in a World Cup year,” said Powell.
“It’s great preparation because we are playing teams that we don’t normally play and we will be facing a non-European side in Canada, so it’s good to be able to get that exposure. It will be challenging, but necessary,” she added.
England have been drawn in Group B for the World Cup alongside Japan, Mexico and New Zealand, England is the only team of the four that made it to the quarter-finals of the 2007 World Cup.
Cyprus Cup squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Karen Bardsley (Sky Blue), Siobhan Chamberlain (Bristol Academy),
Defenders: Sophie Bradley (Lincoln Ladies), Lindsay Johnson (Everton), Alex Scott (Boston Breakers), Casey Stoney (Chelsea), Dunia Susi (Birmingham City), Rachel Unitt (Everton/Leeds City Vixens), Faye White (Arsenal),
Midfielders: Anita Asante (Sky Blue), Laura Bassett (Birmingham City), Jess Clarke (Lincoln Ladies), Steph Houghton (Arsenal), Jill Scott (Everton), Sue Smith (Lincoln Ladies), Fara Williams (Everton), Rachel Yankey (Arsenal)
Forwards: Eniola Aluko (Sky Blue), Kelly Smith (Boston Breakers), Ellen White (Arsenal)
Emma Paton, Sportsister The Women’s Sports Magazine
