Football: Coach Hope Powell names Cyprus Cup squad

England will face Finland (28 February), Switzerland (1 March) and France (4 March) in this year’s Cyprus Cup, the annual friendly tournament in Larnaca, which could allow three players to earn their 100th cap.

Midfielder Fara Williams (98 caps) and defenders Casey Stoney, who has captained England throughout their Euro 2013 qualifying campaign, and Rachel Unitt (both 97) will all reach the triple-figure landmark. When talking about the trio Powell said, “They all broke into the senior squad at pretty much the same time and it has been nice seeing them mature and grow as players.

“If you look at Casey, she didn’t kick a ball in the 2005 Euros but she worked really, really hard and she is now the captain.

“I have to applaud all three, though. They’ve all got different qualities, they’ve all done exceptionally well to get this far and they are all still in a position to have an impact on games.

“Getting to 100 caps is no mean feat in any sport, so credit to them for putting themselves in that position.”

While there is still no place for regular captain Faye White, who continues her recovery following knee surgery, Anita Asante returns to the squad for the first time since the World Cup, as does Sue Smith, who last appeared for England at last season’s Cyprus Cup.

This year’s Cyprus Cup comprises three groups of four teams, with England drawn in Group A.

“The priority isn’t really a focus on exactly who we are playing, although all three of our group games will undoubtedly be tough, particularly France,” said Powell.

“This tournament is more about giving me an opportunity to look at the players and see how they cope in a tournament environment.

“After [a training camp in] La Manga [in January] the competition for places is quite fierce now. We’ve got players coming back from injury, some other players are now injured which gives other players an opportunity, so it’s a really good chance to assess players over a good period of time to see how they do, particularly with the Euro qualifiers coming up again.

“The attitude and work ethic in La Manga was very, very good and hopefully we can build on that in Cyprus.

“Everybody will play some part, all being well.”

On Monday, the Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) league in America announced its intention to suspend the 2012 playing season, but Powell does not believe that it will play hindrance for England in their preparations,

“It’s really disappointing that the league has experienced problems again, both for the League itself, the clubs and the players involved.

“But I’ve spoken to our girls that are based in America and told them not to panic. They’ve only just been told [about the WPS situation] and they need a bit of time to take it in. But they are all good players and clubs will want them. And the most important thing is that they want to play.”

After Cyprus, England will resume their Euro 2013 qualifying campaign against Croatia on 31 March.

Full team:

Goalkeepers

Karen Bardsley - Linköping

Rachel Brown - Everton

Siobhan Chamberlain - Bristol Academy

Carly Telford - Chelsea

Defenders

Sophie Bradley - Lincoln Ladies

Alex Scott - Unattached

Dunia Susi - Birmingham City

Casey Stoney - Lincoln Ladies