Four City Women players have been named in Mark Sampson’s England squad for the upcoming clash with USA.

Captain Steph Houghton, Demi Stokes, Karen Bardsley and Jill Scott have all been called up for the friendly, scheduled at stadiummk in Milton Keynes on Friday 13 February.

Two more City players, Toni Duggan and Lucy Bronze, would have been named in the squad but have been left out due to injury problems.

The match forms part of England’s preparations for the 2015 World Cup, hosted by Canada in the summer.

Full back Demi Stokes believes that the match will be a perfect test for the Three Lionesses as they gear up for the tournament.

“We could come up against the USA in the World Cup, so it will be a good test for us to play them now,” she declared. “I think it will be a really good game, it will push us and show us where we need to improve.

“We always aim to show our quality, but we’re looking forward and trying to get better all the time.”

 A January signing for Nick Cushing’s side, Demi has swelled the ranks of City’s England international contingent, and after a successful pre-season training camp in Abu Dhabi she’s hoping their understanding at club level can translate to the Three Lionesses.

Stokes

Said the defender: “Lots of the England squad play for City now as well, which makes it easier. We’ve all been working together in pre-season training, and hopefully that will transfer to the international stage as well and help us to play even better as a team.”

Demi made her senior England debut 12 months’ ago, and admits the chance to represent her country at a World Cup so soon in her international career would round off a dream year.

She revealed: “It would feel fantastic to go to the World Cup, because it’s only been a year since I made my debut. It’s gone really fast! I’m always working hard and pushing myself to be the best possible player I can be.

“I know it’s a big cliché, but to go to the World Cup would be a dream come true.”

Tickets are priced at £5 for adults and £2.50 for children, and available at www.mkdons.com/tickets.


FULL SQUAD:

Goalkeepers: Karen Bardsley (Manchester City), Siobhan Chamberlain (Arsenal), Carly Telford (Notts County)

 Defenders: Anita Asante (FCR Malmo), Laura Bassett (Notts County), Gemma Bonner (Liverpool), Alex Greenwood (Notts County), Steph Houghton (Manchester City), Alex Scott (Arsenal), Casey Stoney (Arsenal), Demi Stokes (Manchester City)

 Midfielders: Karen Carney (Birmingham City), Katie Chapman (Chelsea), Fran Kirby (Reading), Jade Moore (Birmingham City), Jordan Nobbs (Arsenal), Jo Potter (Birmingham City), Jill Scott (Manchester City), Fara Williams (Liverpool)

 Forwards: Eniola Aluko (Chelsea), Jess Clarke (Notts County), Lianne Sanderson (Arsenal), Jodie Taylor (Portland Thorns)