Mark Sampson names England squad for Bosnia and Belgium

Tuesday 29 Mar 2016
England Women head coach Mark Sampson

England head coach Mark Sampson has selected his 23-player squad to play two Euro qualifiers next month.

Notts County duo Ellen White and Amy Turner return to the squad along with Birmingham City’s Jo Potter

New Arsenal signing Jodie Taylor and Manchester City’s Isobel Christiansen miss out due to injury.

England v Belgium

Euro 2017 Qualifier
AESSEAL New York Stadium, Rotherham
7.55pm, Friday 8 April 2016
TheFA.com/Tickets

England’s opening game is against Belgium, their first home match of 2016, at the AESSEAL New York Stadium in Rotherham on Friday 8 April (7.55pm KO). They then travel to Zenica where they play Bosnia & Herzegovina at the NFSBiH Training Centre on Tuesday 12 April (3pm BST KO).

The Lionesses, who have risen to a record fourth position in the latest FIFA world rankings, have a 100 per cent record in their UEFA Women’s 2017 European Championship qualifying campaign.

Sampson said: “After the She Believes Cup our focus turns back to Euro 2017 qualifying with important matches against Belgium and Bosnia.

"We are aiming to continue our winning start and the selected squad reflects our determination to do just that.

“With the competition for places growing, I am clear on criteria for selection. I am selecting the most effective players in each position for England who also fit in with the type of character we want in our Lionesses group. 

Highlights from England v France at the SheBelieves Cup

“It is also beneficial if our players have experience of international tournament football whether with the senior team or at youth level, which we are lucky to have across our group.

“I am confident at the moment that this is our best group of women to get the win we want against a very talented Belgium team.  

Behind the scenes at the SheBelieves Cup

“I speak for the whole group when I say we can’t wait to get back in the north to Rotherham and play in front of our fans. We will focus on working hard and continuing to improve as a group.”

Tickets are on sale now for the match against Belgium, which will also be broadcast live on BBC Two, priced £5 for adults and £2.50 for children. A family ticket is available at £10 (two adults and two children) while group booking discounts apply.

Tickets can be bought via TheFA.com/Tickets or by calling 08444 140 754.

Goalkeepers: Karen Bardsley (Manchester City), Siobhan Chamberlain (Liverpool), Carly Telford (Notts County)

Defenders: Laura Bassett (Notts County), Lucy Bronze (Manchester City), Gilly Flaherty (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Liverpool), Steph Houghton (Manchester City), Alex Scott (Arsenal), Casey Stoney (Arsenal), Demi Stokes (Manchester City), Amy Turner (Notts County)

Midfielders: Katie Chapman (Chelsea), Jordan Nobbs (Arsenal), Jo Potter (Birmingham City), Jill Scott (Manchester City), Fara Williams (Arsenal)

Forwards: Eniola Aluko (Chelsea), Karen Carney (Chelsea), Gemma Davison (Chelsea), Toni Duggan (Manchester City), Fran Kirby (Chelsea), Ellen White (Notts County).

By FA Staff