Phil Neville looks to future with England Women's selection
Fara Williams also back in the squad for next month’s clashes against Brazil and Australia
Tuesday 25 September 2018 12:11, UK
England Women's boss Phil Neville is once again calling on youngsters Gabby George and Lucy Staniforth ahead of next month's internationals.
The pair earned their maiden caps in last month's World Cup qualifier in Kazakhstan while Mary Earps, Hannah Blundell, Leah Williamson and Beth Mead made their first starts in Pavlodar.
All are once again included in the double-headers against Brazil at Notts County's Meadow Lane (Saturday, October 6) and Australia at Craven Cottage (Tuesday, October 9).
Also returning is Reading midfielder Fara Williams after England's most-capped player was forced to withdraw through injury during the last round of fixtures.
Those games saw the Lionesses book their place in next summer's World Cup finals with Neville admitting it played a big part in his team selection this time out.
He 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 this 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."
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).
