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Women's football: Mark Sampson names England squad to face Wales

Image: Mark Sampson is aiming to qualify for next summer's World Cup with a 100 per cent record

Casey Stoney and Kelly Smith return to the England squad for their World Cup qualifier with Wales next week.

The key duo, who have 207 caps between them, are included in a 23-strong squad after being rested for the 4-0 friendly win over Sweden earlier this month.

Manager Mark Sampson has kept faith in Reading’s Fran Kirby and Jodie Taylor, who plays in America with Washington Spirit, after the pair impressed when making their debuts in Hartlepool.

England need just one point in Cardiff on August 21 to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which takes place in Canada next summer.

Sampson is looking to maintain their 100 per cent record, during which England have scored 38 times and conceded just once.

ENGLAND SQUAD

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

Defenders – Gemma Bonner (Liverpool), Alex Greenwood (Everton), Steph Houghton (Manchester City), Alex Scott (Arsenal), Demi Stokes (University of South Florida), Casey Stoney (Arsenal)

Midfielders - Laura Bassett (Chelsea), Jade Moore (Birmingham City), Jordan Nobbs (Arsenal), Jill Scott (Manchester City), Fara Williams (Liverpool)

Forwards – Eniola Aluko (Chelsea), Karen Carney (Birmingham City), Jess Clarke (Notts County), Natasha Dowie (Liverpool), Toni Duggan (Manchester City), Fran Kirby (Reading), Lianne Sanderson (Boston Breakers), Kelly Smith (Arsenal), Jodie Taylor (Washington Spirit)

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