Fern Whelan Makes International Football Debut

England manager Hope Powell has included defender Fern Whelan (above) in the squad for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2013 qualifiers on 17 and 22 September.

Birmingham striker Rachel Williams, Chelsea star Dani Buet and Whelan’s Everton partner Natasha Dowie have also been called up for the matches against Serbia and Swindon, which will be broadcast live on FA TV.

Powell said: ‘There are a few players in this squad who weren’t at the World Cup and they’ve all done well recently and deserve their call-up.

‘These next two matches will give us an opportunity to have another look at them in an England environment. It’s a new campaign, but we have to build on our previous experiences, both at the World Cup and in the victories over USA and Sweden.

She added: ‘No coach would ever neglect what has gone before. You have to build on what went well and improve on what didn’t go so well.’

Call 0871 876 1993 for tickets to watch England play Slovenia on Thursday 22 September at Swindon Town’s County Ground.

Full England squad: Goalkeepers Karen Bardsley, Rachel Brown and Siobhan Chamberlain; defenders Sophie Bradley, Alex Scott, Casey Stoney, Dunia Susi, Rachel Unitt, Fern Whelan and Faye White; midfielders Laura Bassett, Dani Buet, Karen Carney, Jess Clarke, Stephanie Houghton, Jill Scott, Rachel Yankey, and Fara and Rachel Williams; forwards Eniola Aluko, Natasha Dowie and Ellen White.