THE ENGLAND Women's team face a crucial World Cup Qualifier with Turkey here at Banks's Stadium on Thursday evening (kick-off 7.00pm), knowing that three points will guarantee them top spot in Group 5 and a place in the coveted play-offs.
Hope Powell's side have produced some impressive results during this campaign but goalkeeper Rachel Brown believes that while the Three Lions have registered the points, they have not always produced the performances they are capable of. "We've been more convincing in some games than we have in others," says the Everton stopper. "We've played good football in some parts but we probably haven't scored as many goals as we'd have liked.
"That said, on the whole, we're in a really good position to top the group, so we've got to be happy with that.
"It's in our hands now and to seal a play-off place in front of our own fans would be brilliant."
Brown is well aware of the threat Turkey pose next week. "We made hard work of beating them at the end of last year," she added. "The result was flattering in Turkey but it didn't really tell the story of the game. They were well-organised, compact and they closed us down really well; the three goals we scored were in the last 15 minutes so it tells you how close most of the game was.
"I think they will come over here and have the same attitude; they've got nothing to lose and that makes them more of a threat. I think we can expect a really tough game but if we play anywhere near our best, we will hopefully have too much for them."
Qualification for Germany 2011 would certainly raise the bar for England Women once more and Brown is determined to make that dream a reality. "For quite a few us, this is probably the last World Cup that we've got the chance of playing in, so there is that motivation that it's now or never.
"China in 2007 was unbelievable. As a group we hadn't qualified for a World Cup before and we hadn't been to China before, either. The whole experience was amazing, the build-up, the media attention, staying in hotels with the other teams. It was something that I'll never forget and it gives you that motivation to qualify for tournaments on a regular basis.
"Next summer, there is nowhere any of us would rather be than in Germany in the World Cup."
Ticket prices for the game are:
- £5 (adults)
- £2.50 (under 16s/ over 60s).
- £10 Family Ticket (2 adults/ 2 children)
- Group bookings can be made for groups over 15 with prices at £3 (adults) and £2 (Concessions).
- 2010/11 Walsall FC season-ticket holders can claim TWO FREE tickets for the game on production of Voucher E from their season-ticket booklet. Please bring your booklet with you, not just the voucher - this must be done prior to matchday.
Tickets can be purchased by calling the Ticket Office now on 01922 651 414/416. Adult and concessionary tickets can be purchased online by clicking here. Family Tickets or Group Booking must be made over the telephone or in person.
