Women's football: Dunia Susi and Rachel Brown-Finnis out of England's game with Sweden
Thursday 31 July 2014 07:22, UK
England Women’s manager Mark Sampson has seen his plans for this weekend’s friendly with Sweden disrupted by the withdrawal of two players through injury.
Versatile Notts County Ladies player Dunia Susi has suffered a leg injury and has been replaced by Birmingham’s in-form midfielder Jo Potter.
Susi’s Notts County team-mate Carly Telford has also been called up by Sampson in place of Everton goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis who misses the game at Hartlepool’s Victoria Park stadium with a neck injury.
Sampson’s side are currently preparing at St George’s Park ahead of their match against the side ranked three places above them at No 5 in the FIFA World Rankings.
On Wednesday, the England girls had the opportunity to watch Barcelona train at the National Football Centre. Luis Enrique’s side are training at St George’s Park this week.
Sunday’s game could see Liverpool Ladies midfielder Fara Williams become the most capped player in history.
The 30-year-old was handed her debut by former manager Hope Powell at the age of 17, is currently level with Rachel Yankey on 129 England caps.
The midfielder’s Liverpool Ladies team-mate Gemma Davison paid tribute to Williams ahead of this weekend’s game against Sweden.
“I’m sure a lot of people dream of doing that (reaching 130 caps),” Davison told Sky Sports.
“I think there are quite a few players currently in the squad that could reach the same benchmark. Fara has been in the game for a while now and she’s not even very old even though she calls herself old. I’m sure she will win a lot more caps.
“She’s got a left foot and a right foot and she can hit a 40-yard diagonal ball with both feet. She’s got the ability to change the game in an instant and her knowledge and experience of the game is amazing.
“I don’t know if she even realises how much she can influence people.” Davison added. “I listen to every word she says and 99% of the time she is right.”