England coach Hope Powell believes the squad she has selected for the forthcoming Women's World Cup in Germany is the strongest she has ever chosen in her 13 years in charge of the national side.
England have never won a major women's tournament but recent victories over the United States and Sweden, first and fifth in the world respectively, mean Powell's team are among the leading contenders for a World Cup that starts in Germany on June 26.
And England have also been boosted by the return of fit again captain Faye White, who has not played for six weeks due to injury.
England reached the final of the European Championships two years ago only to see her side thrashed 6-2 by Germany in Helsinki. But Powell, whose team went through qualifying unbeaten, is confident her squad have overcome the disappointment of that defeat. "I think this is the best squad I've had," Powell said. "The depth is better than we have ever had and the versatility of the players is a brilliant thing to have in your locker.
"The girls have the experience of playing in major tournaments, whether it be at youth level or in the Euros, and our average amount of caps is 49, which is great. "We've got a few girls that can change games too so I'm encouraged by that." England, ranked eighth, beat the States 2-1 but Powell was wary of taking anything for granted in what appears to be a relatively easy group also featuring Mexico, New Zealand and Japan.
England have never won a major women's tournament but recent victories over the United States and Sweden, first and fifth in the world respectively, mean Powell's team are among the leading contenders for a World Cup that starts in Germany on June 26.
And England have also been boosted by the return of fit again captain Faye White, who has not played for six weeks due to injury.
England reached the final of the European Championships two years ago only to see her side thrashed 6-2 by Germany in Helsinki. But Powell, whose team went through qualifying unbeaten, is confident her squad have overcome the disappointment of that defeat. "I think this is the best squad I've had," Powell said. "The depth is better than we have ever had and the versatility of the players is a brilliant thing to have in your locker.
"The girls have the experience of playing in major tournaments, whether it be at youth level or in the Euros, and our average amount of caps is 49, which is great. "We've got a few girls that can change games too so I'm encouraged by that." England, ranked eighth, beat the States 2-1 but Powell was wary of taking anything for granted in what appears to be a relatively easy group also featuring Mexico, New Zealand and Japan.
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