Phil Neville's first England squad features three surprise call-ups
Phil Neville has named his first England squad for the SheBelieves Cup with three surprise call ups as he begins to shape a team for next summer’s World Cup.
Chelsea defender Anita Asante has been named in an England squad for the first time since 2015, while club team-mate Hannah Blundell has a chance of winning her first cap.
Everton’s Gabby George, another uncapped player, is also included having previously been in the squad for last November’s qualifiers.
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“I have been really impressed by what I have seen in the past few weeks,” said Neville. “Some exciting young players have caught my eye, and not just those that have been picked for this squad.
“They will get an opportunity in the coming months to challenge the established players who, of course, deserve big respect for what they have done to take this team to third in the world.
“I also hope this squad shows that the door is not closed to anyone, and that those in form will always have a strong chance of being picked.
“To those that have just missed out this time, I hope they use that disappointment in the right way to force their way into contention. We want to go to the SheBelieves Cup with a positive approach and then kick on into the World Cup qualifiers.”
Captain Steph Houghton has been named in the squad, although she is carrying a foot injury and it is not yet known whether she will be able to play in any of the three games.
The SheBelieves Cup offers Neville the toughest possible start to his England reign, with his team – who are ranked third in the world by Fifa – taking on the world’s best side, USA, as well as Europe’s highest-ranked team Germany. France, who are ranked sixth, make up the four teams.
The Football Association have also confirmed that Mo Marley, who stepped as England’s interim manager following the sacking of Mark Sampson last year following allegations of improper relations with players in his former job at Bristol Academy, will continue to work with the squad as Neville’s assistant.
Neville added: “I am really happy Mo has agreed to join this trip, especially given the great work she did in La Manga. Her input will be invaluable to me and to Casey, who is embarking on the first steps of her new career after retiring as a player.
“Mo’s role across our development teams and producing players for the seniors means we will always have a close working relationship but I know she is also thinking ahead to the Under-20 World Cup later this year.”
England will depart for the SheBelieves Cup this Sunday [25 February]. The first match will be against France [Thursday 1 March] in Columbus, Ohio, before games against Germany [Sunday 4 March] and the US [Wednesday 7 March] in Harrison, New Jersey and Orlando, Florida respectively.
The tournament will be followed by the World Cup qualifier against Wales in Southampton on 6 April.