FIFA 16: England among women's teams included in hit video game for first time

England's female footballers have been given a virtual makeover after women's teams were included in EA Sports' hit FIFA video game for the first time.

Twelve international teams - including England - will appear in EA SPORTS FIFA 16, which is released in September following this summer's Women's World Cup and features the legendary commentary of Sky Sports' Martin Tyler.

From distinctive movements to authentic facial features and hairstyles, the gaming giant has given the full virtual treatment to players from Mark Sampson's side, as well as those from fellow top-ranked teams Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Sweden and the United States.

It means a legion of fans will be able to control a virtual Steph Houghton of England or Marta of Brazil, as well as Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney.

England captain Houghton, whose team-mates kick off their Canada campaign against France on June 9, said: "The whole team are thrilled to be included in EA SPORTS FIFA 16. It's a really exciting year for women's football with the forthcoming World Cup and to find out we will be included in FIFA for the first time is a special feeling. 

"To be one of the first female players included in the game is something we'll always be able to look back on and be proud of.

"Hopefully it will help raise the profile of the women's game even further. Quite a few of us in the team play FIFA so I'm sure there will be a bit of banter about our ratings and a few extra competitive games while we're away in Canada…. I'm looking forward to scoring as myself for the first time!"

Voice of football Tyler, who has recorded besoke commentary alongside Sky Sports colleague Alan Smith, said: “It’s a great thing.

“We have done special voicing with ‘she’ and ‘her’ as opposed to ‘he’ and ‘his’ and recorded the names of the top players. We've worked hard and hopefully have given it the same treatment as the conventional game."

US stars including Abby Wambach - the record goalscorer in women's international football - took part in a motion capture session at EA Canada to build new 'locomotion' including new walks, runs and sprints, while a mobile headscanning unit travelled to a variety of tournaments and events around the world to capture facial features.

"Bringing some of the best women’s players and teams in the world to our franchise is a massive event for EA SPORTS and we are equally excited about bringing millions of fans a new way to play,” said David Rutter, vice president and general manager of EA SPORTS FIFA.

Branding expert Andy Sutherden applauded the move, insisting it reflects a change in the market for both football and gaming. 

"I think we have to say well done to EA," he told Sky Sports News HQ.

"It’s a very bold move by them and it acknowledges the growing appetite and enthusiasm amongst young girls and women in general for playing sport and becoming fans of sport.

"I think they are really observing a change in the market where there are so many organisations in football and beyond who are understanding the opportunity to market their sport and the sponsors of their sports to a younger female audience."

Keep track of England Women's World Cup campaign on www.skysports.com/football or via the Sky Sports apps.