Queens Park Rangers FC and Millwall FC will stage England’s next two FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011 qualifiers against Austria and Spain respectively as Hope Powell's team look to make their first steps towards bringing home some silverware.
Having won their opening two qualifiers, against Malta (8-0) and Turkey (3-0), England currently sit in second place in Group Five, six points behind Spain, but with two games in hand and this double-header could go a long way to determining the outcome of the group.
“It’s fantastic to be playing at two London venues,” said Powell. “We haven’t had any games in the south for some time so we are looking forward to playing in London for what will be two very important games in our World Cup group. This could attract a lot of fans and we want them to come out in force to get behind the team at both matches. Hopefully, we can put on two really good performances and send them home happy.”
The Austria qualifier represents the first time an England international has been staged at Loftus Road, though QPR did host The FA Women’s Cup Final between Arsenal and Charlton Athletic in 2004. Ali Russell, Deputy Managing Director at Queens Park Rangers FC, said: “We are delighted to be hosting our first England Women’s international match at Loftus Road."
“The fact that the match is an important World Cup qualifier makes the occasion even more special for everyone connected to Queens Park Rangers Football Club. Loftus Road is a very intimate stadium and if we get the good crowd we're hoping for, then the atmosphere will be fantastic.”
Millwall hosted a FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifier between England and Germany in 1998 and The Den has also hosted three FA Women’s Cup Finals, in 1996, 1998 and 2006. Millwall Chief Executive, Andy Ambler, said: “We are very much looking forward to this game and hope that Millwall can help further raise the profile of female football. The promising youngsters who attend our Girls Academy, in addition to numerous local schoolchildren, members of our local community and of course Lions fans, will enjoy getting behind England and hopefully cheering them to victory against Spain.”
vs Austria (World Cup Qualifier, 7:00pm, Thursday 25th March 2010, Loftus Road, Queens Park Rangers FC). Live on FATV. Tickets are priced at £5 for adults and £2.50 for concessions and can be obtained via E-Mail at boxoffice@qpr.co.uk or by phone on (08444) 777007.
vs Spain (World Cup Qualifier, 7:00pm, Thursday 1st April 2010, The Den, Millwall FC). Live on FATV. Tickets are priced at £5 for adults and £2.50 for concessions and can be obtained online via www.millwalltickets.com or by phone on (0871) 230 5585.
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