KERRY ANNOUNCES SQUAD FOR ROME

The England coach, Danny Kerry, has announced his squad for the women's World Cup qualifiers in Rome. The team is a mixture of youth and experience, with six of the team having won over a hundred caps for their country. Amongst the comparative newcomers is Bowdon Hightown's Sally Walton (15 caps) and experienced England hand Rachel Walker of Olton (97 caps). Kerry said "The ability to take 18 players to a major event, as opposed to only 16 for the Commonwealth Games, changes some of the selection issues and gives us increased flexibility of choice. I am optimistic that Rachel Walker's inclusion will provide greater attacking penetration down the left hand side, and Sally Walton's inclusion gives us good flexibilty in our selection. her calmness in defence, and her ability to convert half chances in the attacking circle, gives the squad good balance." England play their first pool match against the Ukraine on 25 April.