Arsenal and England captain Faye White working on strengthening exercises at Bisham Abbey

Gooner girls eye world cup

Club’s success in Europe could pave the way for national squad

ARSENAL’S success in Europe could give England a fighting chance in the Women’s World Cup in China, according to club and country captain Faye White.
Nine of Arsenal’s Uefa Cup winning side are vying to make the England squad to face Germany, Japan and Argentina in the prestigious competition in September.
And White, who is working her way back to fitness after a serious knee injury, hopes the quadruple winners’ confidence will bolster the national side.
“For England it’s great,” she said. “It takes you to the next step and the fact that nine of the potential squad are from one club. It’s a good thing for sure.”
In a bid to be in the final squad chosen by England manager Hope Powell next month, the central defender is working her way back to fitness with Canadian W-League side Ottawa Fury.
White has played three matches for the Fury since June and will return to Canada for three more matches once this final England camp ends at Bisham Abbey on Friday.
With a play-off final berth also on the cards, White hopes to have fully recovered in time for Arsenal’s pre-season opener on August 4 and the World Cup on September 10.
“I need match fitness,” she added. “Just to feel like you can get up to speed with the rest of the girls was always a doubt for me when they’ve come off such a massive season, but now it doesn’t feel like there’s as much of a gap to make up.”
Arsenal are expected to play a friendly with Sheffield FC on August 8 at Sheffield’s Bright Finance Stadium.

GIRLS and women can brush up their soccer skills next month at a free Camden Summer University programme at the Swiss Cottage pitch.
The four day course runs from 2pm-5pm between August 13-16 and offers 13 to 19 year olds the chance to learn Brazilian, Premier, FA and Futsol skills.
The week is capped off with a Copa America Fives event for under-12s and 14s between 11am and 5pm. To book a place call 020 7619 3903 or check camden.gov.uk/summeruniversity