Scene set for Green to scheme

WITH places at stake in the Spanish sunshine for September's Junior World Cup, the weekend's women's Under-21 Home Countries Championship at Milton Keynes have a special significance for the English and Scottish qualifiers, writes Bill Colwill.

Though it is not expected that there will be wholesale changes from the squads announced for this weekend it will nevertheless be important to turn in good performances given the proximity of the showpiece in Terrassa.

England start the defence of their title this morning against Wales, whom they beat 4-0 last year, and after taking on Ireland in the afternoon play what is likely to be the decisive game against Scotland tomorrow morning.

Both sides will rely heavily on players who took part in the European Championships in Scotland last summer where England finished fourth, one place ahead of the hosts. Interest will centre on two full internationals - Scotland's prolific goalscorer, Rhona Simpson, and England's Jo Green, who is now close to the form which earned her four full caps.