Summer date in Walsall

England v Turkey
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011 Qualifier
7pm, Thursday 29 July 2010
Banks’s Stadium, Walsall FC
See below for ticket information

Walsall FC will play host to Hope Powell’s England Women’s team in July, when Turkey visit for the Three Lions’ penultimate World Cup Qualifier.

The last time the two nations met, in November, three second-half goals gave England a deserved 3-0 victory and Powell will be looking for more of the same at Banks’s Stadium as she attempts to lead her side to their fourth consecutive major championship Finals.

“I’m looking forward to taking England to Walsall,” said Powell. “We have a good record in qualifying so far and we hope to keep that going at Banks’s Stadium. The last time we played there the fans really came out in force and I’m sure, with children enjoying their summer holidays, we can expect another healthy crowd in July.”

England currently sit second in Group 5 with four wins from their opening four matches, three points behind Spain but with two games in hand. They travel to Malta next week where they will attempt to extend their 100 per cent record before flying to Spain in June for what could prove a pivotal encounter. Turkey then provide the opposition in July before England round things off against Austria in August.

The Saddlers’ home ground has staged a number of England international in the past, at various levels. As Powell alluded to, the Women’s team took on Belarus at Banks’s Stadium in 2007 when an Alex Scott brace helped Powell’s side claim a 4-0 win in front of 8,632 fans. More recently the England U19 team drew 0-0 with Czech Republic in Walsall last year.

“We are delighted to be hosting England’s World Cup Qualifier against Turkey,” said Walsall’s Chief Executive, Roy Whalley. “It’s an extremely important match as England look to make it through to the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup. To be chosen as the venue for such a big game is something we are very proud of.

“I’m sure there will be a large crowd in attendance here at the Banks’s Stadium to cheer England on to victory.”

(Source: www.thefa.com)