Smith and Powell left feeling blue
Tuesday, February 1, 2005
Article summary
England coach Hope Powell will be without star striker Kelly Smith for the 17 February friendly against Italy.
Article body
England's build-up to the international friendly against Italy on 17 February suffered a disappointing setback when it was confirmed that Kelly Smith will miss the game with a stress fracture.
EURO draw
Smith returned to England after seven years in the United States last month to sign for Arsenal LFC but has seen her injury curse strike again: the player having only just recovered from an ankle injury and before that a broken leg. She will therefore sit out England's opening friendly following the draw for the 2005 UEFA European Women's Championship, where the hosts were pitted against Finland, Sweden and Denmark.
Eight games
Italy are in the opposite pool for a tournament due to be played at five venues in the north-west of England between 5-19 June. The game at the National Hockey Stadium in Milton Keynes represents the first of eight warm-up games that England will play as they fine-tune their preparations.
England squad
Rachel Brown, Karen Bardsley, Jo Fletcher, Leanne Hall; Siobhan Chamberlain, Faye White, Rachel Unitt, Mary Phillip, Alex Scott, Casey Stoney, Lindsey Johnson, Leanne Champ, Laura Bassett, Becky Easton; Katie Chapman, Fara Williams, Emily Westwood, Rachel McArthur, Vicky Exley, Kelly McDougall, Sally Lacey, Jody Handley, Rachel Yankey; Amanda Barr, Sue Smith, Karen Carney, Amanda Barr, Eniola Aluko, Ellen Maggs, Kristy Moore.
