Phil Neville has opted for a mix of youth and experience as he names his squad for England’s October internationals, reports TheFA.com.
The Lionesses step up their 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup preparations by taking on Brazil at Notts County’s Meadow Lane (on Saturday 6 October, kick-off 12.30pm) before hosting Australia at Craven Cottage (on Tuesday 9 October, kick-off 7pm).
Everton’s Gabby George and Birmingham City’s Lucy Staniforth earned their maiden caps in the World Cup qualifier in Kazakhstan while Mary Earps, Hannah Blundell, Leah Williamson and Beth Mead made their first starts in Pavlodar – all are included once more.
Neville has also been able to welcome back Reading midfielder Fara Williams after England’s most-capped player was forced to withdraw through injury ahead of the last round of fixtures which saw the Lionesses secure their place at next summer’s finals.
Neville said: “We are looking forward to two challenging matches on home soil, against strong opposition both ranked in the top ten in the world.
“Both games form a crucial part of our World Cup preparations so it’s important in selecting this squad that we are doing so with a firm eye on the future and next summer’s tournament.
“Our experienced heads are vital but I’m also determined to give youngsters an opportunity. A clear pathway for players to progress from our youth teams into the senior squad is extremely important. As our younger players showed in our last qualifying game against Kazakhstan, they absolutely deserve it.
“It is a great chance for us to test ourselves and play in front of our home supporters in what will be two very important warm-up matches ahead of next summer’s World Cup.”
Tickets for both matches are priced at £10 for adults and £1 for concessions.
Tickets for England’s match against Sweden in Rotherham on Sunday 11 November are also on sale.
Both October internationals will be live on BT Sport 1.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Karen Bardsley (Manchester City), Mary Earps (Wolfsburg), Carly Telford (Chelsea)
Defenders: Hannah Blundell (Chelsea), Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Lyon), Gabby George (Everton), Alex Greenwood (Manchester United), Steph Houghton (Manchester City), Abbie McManus (Manchester City), Leah Williamson (Arsenal)
Midfielders: Isobel Christiansen (Lyon), Fran Kirby (Chelsea), Jordan Nobbs (Arsenal), Jill Scott (Manchester City), Lucy Staniforth (Birmingham City), Keira Walsh (Manchester City), Fara Williams (Reading)
Forwards: Rachel Daly (Houston Dash), Toni Duggan (Barcelona), Melissa Lawley (Manchester City), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Nikita Parris (Manchester City), Jodie Taylor (Seattle Reign).
