Phil Neville has named his England squad for the forthcoming ‘Road to France Series’ double-header, with just over two months to go before the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
A 25-player squad will take on Canada at a sold-out Academy Stadium in Manchester on Friday 5 April, before hosting Spain at the County Ground in Swindon on Tuesday 9 April as they step up their preparations for this summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.
And 21 members of the group which lifted the SheBelieves Cup earlier this month retain their place, while there are returns for Manchester City duo Jill Scott, who withdrew due to injury last time out, as well as young goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck.
Millie Bright and Jade Moore return after sitting out the USA tournament as part of the long-term management of their return to full fitness.
“As ever, picking the squad was really tough due to the strength and depth of talent in our ranks,” admitted Neville.
“We have four matches before flying out to France and I want to emphasise that the door is not shut to any player with ambitions of making the World Cup squad.”
Both of April’s opponents are also preparing for June’s World Cup finals in France.
Fifth-ranked Canada will provide a stern test, before an emerging Spain side head to Wiltshire for the first Lionesses’ fixture at the venue since a 4-0 win over Slovenia in September 2013.
And with the first game in Manchester already sold-out and tickets still available for the game in Swindon, Neville admits his side are ready to run out on home turf again.
“We’re looking forward to playing in front of our fans in different parts of the country once again,” he added.
“Our support is brilliant. The fans have backed us and hopefully we can put on a good show.
“We’re expecting two tough matches but we need to be tested as we step up our preparations for the summer.
“Winning the SheBelieves Cup was fantastic but we’re now looking to improve and push on further.
Both matches will be broadcast live on BBC4 and BBC 2 respectively.
England will then host Denmark [Saturday 25 May] at Banks’s Stadium, Walsall FC before the visit of New Zealand [Saturday 1 June] to the American Express Community Stadium, Brighton and Hove Albion FC.
Tickets are priced at only £1 for concessions and £10 for adults and can be purchased here.
The Squad
Goalkeepers: Karen Bardsley (Manchester City), Mary Earps (Wolfsburg), Ellie Roebuck (Manchester City), Carly Telford (Chelsea)
Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Lyon), Rachel Daly (Houston Dash), Alex Greenwood (Manchester United), Steph Houghton (Manchester City), Abbie McManus (Manchester City), Demi Stokes (Manchester City), Leah Williamson (Arsenal)
Midfielders: Karen Carney (Chelsea), Jade Moore (Reading), Jill Scott (Manchester City), Lucy Staniforth (Birmingham City), Georgia Stanway (Manchester City), Keira Walsh (Manchester City)
Forwards: Toni Duggan (Barcelona), Fran Kirby (Chelsea), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Nikita Parris (Manchester City), Jodie Taylor (Seattle Reign), Chioma Ubogagu (Orlando Pride), Ellen White (Birmingham City)
