They seem to be dropping like flies at Chelsea Ladies as more players pulled out of England’s international squad this week… but it’s a development which also reflects a sensible avoidance of risk with critical games looming for the girls, notably the visit of Man City at the weekend.

Ahead of Tuesday’s FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier against Bosnia and Herzegovina, the England squad contains precisely ONE Chelsea player… keeper Carly Telford. City have SEVEN players in the Lionesses squad.

Telford was back in the England goal for the first time at home since 2007 as Wales held Phil Neville’s team to a 0-0 draw in front of more than 25,000 fans in Southampton. She pulled off a couple of fine saves in the first half to earn a clean sheet in a game England dominated with 22 shots at the other end.

Sharpshooter Fran Kirby has pulled out of the squad ‘as part of the management of an ongoing injury concern’, according to the England camp, leaving just Carly to fly the blue flag. Kirby played a key role in Neville’s new-look Lionesses as part of a midfield trio in the Wales game.

Alex Greenwood of Liverpool had already taken the place of Hannah Blundell, while Arsenal’s Leah Williamson replaced Millie Bright (pictured).

Bright has an ankle issue, while Blundell was forced to pull out through illness.

Chelsea Ladies face Manchester City in the semi-final of the Women’s FA Cup on Sunday April 15 at 3.30pm at Kingsmeadow. The game is live on BBC2, but it’s a great chance to get behind the team and cheer them on from the stands and terraces. For all ticket news, visit: http://www.chelseafc.com/teams/chelsea-ladies/ticket-information.html