HOPE POWELL NAMES EURO 2009 SQUAD

England women's football coach Hope Powell has named her squad of 22 for the UEFA Women's Euro 2009 Championship in Finland.

Powell said this afternoon that she has named a squad that is versatile and experienced with some exciting young players.

A surprise inclusion in the sqaud is of goalkeeper Karen Bardsley from the WPS team Sky Blue FC. Bardsley was called up to the squad for the first time last month and got her 1st cap against Denmark.

Powell said that Bardsley has that experience and physical presence due to her being a full-time professional player and she has had her eye on her for a long time now.

The other big story is off the axe for England's most cap player Arsenal star Rachel Yankey.
Powell hinted that she isn't in the squad due to her attitude and that other players have performed better.

Everton players make up the bulk of the squad with 7 players, Chelsea are next with 4 and Arsenal with 3.

Karen Bardsley, Alex Scott, Anita Asante, Karen Carney, Kelly Smith and Eniola Aluko play their football in the USA in the new Women's Professional Soccer league (WPS).



SQUAD

Goalkeepers

1. Rachel Brown (Everton)
13.Siobhan Chamberlain (Chelsea)
22. Karen Bardsley (Sky Blue FC)


Defenders

2. Alex Scott (Boston Breakers)
3. Casey Stoney (Chelsea)
5. Lindsey Johnson (Everton)
6. Anita Asante (Sky Blue FC)
14. Faye White (Arsenal)
15. Rachel Unitt (Everton)
19. Laura Bassett (Arsenal)


Midfielders

4. Fara Williams (Everton)
7. Karen Carney (Chicago Red Stars)
8. Katie Chapman ( Arsenal)
10. Kelly Smith (Boston Breakers)
11. Sue Smith (Leeds Carnegie)
12. Jill Scott (Everton)
18. Emily Westwood(Everton)
20. Danielle Buet (Chelsea)


Forwards

9. Eniola Aluko (Saint Louis Athletica)
16. Jody Handley (Everton)
17. Lianne Sanderson ( Chelsea)
21. Jessica Clarke ( Leeds Carnegie)