Powell encouraged by England performances

Five months from now England will begin their UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ campaign and they go into the tournament in shape for their best run since reaching the inaugural continental final in 1984.

Trophy
They lost that decider over two legs to Sweden, who along with Italy and Russia are in Group C with England at the EURO finals in Finland this summer. Knocked out in the group stage in 2001 and as hosts in 2005, Hope Powell's young side have continued to develop and after reaching the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup quarter-finals, they topped their European qualifying group unbeaten. This year they have had two successful trips to Larnaca, first to play Finland in two February friendlies, drawing 2-2 and winning 4-1, before returning early this month for the Cyprus Women's Cup, holding France and defeating South Africa, Scotland and Canada to win their first trophy of Powell's eleven-year reign.

Tournament practice
"Anyone would appreciate that being in the tournament environment is crucial for winning anything, so we tried to create that environment," Powell told uefa.com. "Last month it was good to be there and this month it is good to be there and playing different teams and different styles of football. It's very demanding but that's what you are going to experience when you enter tournaments proper. In terms of development it's exceptional, you need to do these sorts of things."

Newcomers
Although established stars like Kelly Smith formed the heart of the squad in Cyprus, Powell also used the opportunity to blood new players including forward Jessica Clarke and midfielder Danielle Buet. "They've done really well, fitted in nicely," Powell said. "They both had playing time, both played against Scotland for the full 90 minutes. Jess scored on her full debut. For them the experience can only prove invaluable. I'm pleased for them, they worked hard, they want to be part of the squad overall, as does everybody else, so they will all have to work hard to make sure they secure a place for the summer finals."

Return home
After ten consecutive games away from England, Powell's side return home after a 13-month absence to take on Norway in Shrewsbury on 23 April, before the visits of two more European finalists, Iceland and Denmark, in July. "It will be great," Powell said. "We haven't played at home for a while so we need that experience, we need that crowd. I think people want to see us play, take that opportunity, and it is all part of the preparation ... before we know it, it will be the start of the tournament."