Among the seven players making their full international debuts for England in their Women’s World Cup qualifier in Kazakhstan later today, the Chelsea star Hannah Blundell. The mass changes by coach Phil Neville follow England securing qualification to next year’s tournament in France by beating Wales 3-0 at Newport on Friday night. Gabby George, Lucy
Among the seven players making their full international debuts for England in their Women’s World Cup qualifier in Kazakhstan later today, the Chelsea star Hannah Blundell.
The mass changes by coach Phil Neville follow England securing qualification to next year’s tournament in France by beating Wales 3-0 at Newport on Friday night.
Gabby George, Lucy Staniforth, Lauren Bruton, Mary Earps, Leah Williamson and Beth Mead have also been named in England’s starting 11.
“I’m determined to give youngsters the opportunity,” said Neville. “They’ve earned it, they deserve it and regardless of the result against Wales this was always part of our long-term plan.
“There’s so much depth of talent now in the women’s game in England and we’re all looking forward to the game.”
England starting XI: Mary Earps, Hannah Blundell, Leah Williamson, Abbie McManus, Gabby George, Keira Walsh, Isobel Christiansen, Lucy Staniforth, Lauren Bruton, Rachel Daly, Beth Mead. Neville has taken a reduced 19-strong squad to Pavlodar for England’s last qualifying game, with Chelsea’s Fran Kirby one of six players returning to their clubs early after picking up a worrying injury which saw her limp to the team bus on crutches at the end of the Wales match.
Rest of squad: Karen Bardsley (Manchester City), Carly Telford (Chelsea), Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Lyon), Steph Houghton (Manchester City), Jordan Nobbs (Arsenal), Toni Duggan (Barcelona), Nikita Parris (Manchester City).
