England Women sign off for this summer’s European Championships with a friendly against Denmark at Swindon Town’s The County Ground on 22 July. KO 7.45pm.
The game is part of a double header week for England with Hope Powell’s squad taking on Iceland at Colchester United on 16 July.
England face Sweden, Russia and Italy at the UEFA tournament in Finland this August and Powell is looking to conclude their domestic preparations on a high at The County Ground: “Denmark are a good side and have qualified for the European Championships as well so I’m anticipating a close game against quality opposition.
“We beat Norway 3-0 back in April so we’ll be looking to build on that performance for these two friendlies and then take that confidence into the tournament.”
It’s already been a decent 2009 for England with the team beating Canada 3-1 to lift the Cyprus Cup in Lanarca at the beginning of March.
“Winning tournaments breeds a winning mentality so it was a great experience for the squad and showed that we can perform in competition conditions and away from home,” commented Powell whose side drew with France and beat both Scotland and South Africa in the Cyprus Cup group stage.
England’s European Championship preparations also included an invite to the Senior team’s training base at London Colney last week where the likes of Fara Williams, Casey Stoney and Sue Smith met Fabio Capello.
England skipper Williams said: “It was a nice gesture of the team to invite us down and wish us good luck for the Euros.
“It shows they are interested in the women’s game and how we are doing.”
And the good luck messages haven’t stopped there with Hope Powell’s team also receiving a vote of confidence from their Nationwide Building Society sponsors who are based in Swindon.
Nationwide’s Chris Hull commented: “"We are absolutely delighted that Swindon - the home of Nationwide Building Society's Headquarters - is helping to form an essential part of the England women's team build-up ahead of Euro 2009.
“We have been a sponsor of Hope's England team for the past 10 years and we are continually proud to be associated with their professionalism and excellence.
“We at Nationwide believe, along with the fans and the team, that England can secure success in Finland this summer and we wish them the very best of luck."
Tickets for the game at Swindon are just £5 adults and £2.50 for children via 0871 2232300.
Charter Standard clubs can order up to 15 free tickets while there's discounted tickets for parties of 15 people plus. Just download the forms at top of the page for details.
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