Neid blends youth and experience

Germany coach Silvia Neid has named 12 of the squad which won the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup in her 21-strong selection to defend the trophy in China next month.

'Good blend'
Among those left out after pre-tournament training camps are Conny Pohlers, who scored three goals in helping Germany retain the UEFA European Women's Championship in 2005, but familiar names including captain Birgit Prinz, stalwart midfielder Renate Lingor and 161-cap defender Kerstin Stegemann are included along with Silke Rottenberg, who has overcome injury to provide back-up for new No1 goalkeeper Nadine Angerer. At the other end of the scale, Fatmire Bajramaj and fellow teenager Babett Peter have made the cut. Neid, whose team have a European qualifier against Switzerland and home friendly with Norway before opening their World Cup campaign against Argentina on 10 September, said: "I think we have a good blend of young and old players. Each position is doubly filled as there are many players who are flexible."

Germany squad
Goalkeepers: Nadine Angerer (1. FFC Turbine Potsdam), Ursula Holl (SC 07 Bad Neuenahr), Silke Rottenberg (1. FFC Frankfurt).

Defenders: Saskia Bartusiak (1. FFC Frankfurt), Sonja Fuss (FCR 2001 Duisburg), Ariane Hingst (Djurgårdens IF FF), Annike Krahn (FCR 2001 Duisburg), Sandra Minnert (SC 07 Bad Neuenahr), Babett Peter (1. FFC Turbine Potsdam), Kerstin Stegemann (SG Wattenscheid 09).

Midfielders: Fatmire Bajramaj (FCR 2001 Duisburg), Melanie Behringer (SC Freiburg), Linda Bresonik (SG Essen-Schönebeck), Kerstin Garefrekes (1. FFC Frankfurt), Simone Laudehr (FCR 2001 Duisburg), Renate Lingor (1. FFC Frankfurt), Petra Wimbersky (1. FFC Frankfurt).

Forwards: Anja Mittag (1. FFC Turbine Potsdam), Martina Müller (VfL Wolfsburg), Birgit Prinz (1. FFC Frankfurt), Sandra Smisek (1. FFC Frankfurt).