Women's Football - England v Croatia Match of the Day Live

Welcome to the Bank's Stadium in Walsall. It is make or break time

for England's women in their quest to reach Euro 2013. The teams

arrived looking reasonably relaxed ahead of the match. Croatia arrive

here bottom of the group with just one point but hope Powell has been

quick to warn her charges against any complacency. We beat them away

from home but it was a tough encounter. They are quite physical.

I think for us, we need to move the ball quickly. I always say to the

players, it is the games you are expected to win which often the

toughest to win. The girls are not complacent. They want to win. We

have to make sure we go out and perform. We want to qualify. We

want to part of next year's finals. If we get the three points, it is

happy days. If not, it becomes more difficult but hopefully we can do

Kelly Smith, Sue Smith and Faye White, 294 caps worth of English

talent join me to look ahead at what we hope will be a relatively

straightforward handling of the task in hand, especially bearing in

mind that you are two weeks before your due date, this is commitment

in the England cause! We are going to keep the drama on the pitch,

aren't we? Certainly hope so. I had not planned for the birth today.

Kelly, unfortunately, you're not on the pitch Dight and you have missed

most of this campaign because of injury, what is the situation

tonight? Unfortunately, I picked up eight quad muscle injury. It seems

to be getting worse. I did meet up with the dream on Friday but I

could not pass a long distance bought all managed to sprint. I

will have a couple of weeks out to rest and hopefully good to go

against our Champions League game against Barcelona. What are you

expecting tonight? It will be a tough game tonight. I know the

scoreline in Croatia was 6-0. Croatia cannot qualify. England

must win tonight. The pressure will be on. Once we scored the first

goal they will settle our nerves a bit. I spoke to some of the girls

who were in Croatia and they said it was physical. Hopefully we will

win the group and then qualify. now time for the team news. Last

time, Hope Powell brought the instructions. This term we have

asked Casey Stoney. Karen Bardsley, goalkeeper. Probably one of the

best goalkeepers in the world so far. She has hands like glue.

Scott, Arsenal, defence. Probably one of the best full-backs in the

game. She is great on the ball, great going forward. Saviour

Bradley, Lincoln ladies, at defence. -- Saviour Bradley. A team mate of

mine. She is quick, reads the game well. Steph Houghton, Arsenal,

defence. Played very well so far. Scored three goals in the Olympics

so she is known for her goalscoring. She works hard on her game. Jill

Scott, Everton, midfield. Don't be fooled by her size, she is

technically very good and her engine is phenomenal. Fara Williams,

Everton, midfield. One of the most technically gifted players in the

team. She makes -- she takes it well. Anita Asante. Sheet scores

well -- she is great on the ball, she is composed and good under

pressure. Karen Carney, Birmingham City, midfield. She is one of the

most creative players that England have produced. Rachel Yankey,

Arsenal, forward. The most capped player, that says it all. She is a

nightmare to play against. She is so quick and delivers really well.

Eniola Aluko, Birmingham City, forward. A quick, tricky, can

change direction at the drop of a hat. Scores goals, frightening to

play against as a defender. Casey Stoney, Lincoln, defender. She just

makes up the numbers. Let's have a little look now at the

group table. England have not topped the group since last

September which is when their campaign started. Does it matter

that they have not been top of the group at all? I think from my

personal opinion, and a lot of the girls, their ability is through

these campaigns you can get a lot of confidence by going unbeaten and

topping it and leading it the whole way. We should expect that from an

England team who are as good as they are. Kelly, staff Houghton was

a revelation at the Olympics, were you surprised by the impact she

made -- Steph Houghton. I think yes, in a way. That was a hard task. She

has missed the last two major tournaments for England through

injury but I think this tournament was made for her. She really shone,

she came alight and she was the leader on the pitch. Now she is a

household name in women's football so well done to her. And well done

to Rachel Yankey because your fellow left-winger will be making a

record-breaking 120 eighth cap. How important had she been? Absolutely

fantastic. The amount of caps has said it all. She actually played

when we played with Jill Coltart and she has beaten her record. Gill

was a fantastic player and Rachel has taken that mantle and carried

on. She was Show tonight what sort of a classy player she is. We need

her to lead the team and we can do with hair experience. We appear to

have run out of superlatives for Rachel Yankey. Let's hear from the

player herself as she becomes a record-breaker. I just found it

exciting to go out there and be challenged. It is always an honour

and a women's football as well, these are the toughest games.

August 1997, versus Scotland, where it all began. I remember scoring on

my debut, scoring and getting cramp in my car. Everyone was celebrating.

It was so painful. -- cramp in my calf. I did not think about what it

was that I was stepping into. It was just, you are good enough to

play, go out there and play and I did that.

2005, half a century against Mexico. It was a great day. To get 50 caps

for England was an amazing achievement. A memorable year off

the pitch as well. We went to the Palace. I met Prince Charles. He

spoke to me and spoke about women's football. I was really taken aback

by how much he knew. It was a good day out.

For July 2010, a landmark moment, 100 caps. It was special for me,

being against Turkey as well. My boyfriend is a Turkish Cypriot.

That was even better, to score, it meant I had one over on him! To

lead the team out and to be captain and score goal and the player of

the match, it was a wonderful day. England v Japan 2011 World Cup, my

favourite girl. It is every kid's dream that you

want to go and score in a major tournament and against Japan was

fantastic. Wednesday 19th September England

versus Croatia, record-breaker. People spoke to me and said you are

making history. I don't think I really thought about it until

someone said that to me. I think when I look back I will think what

an amazing achievement. Perhaps after the game, hopefully if I play

a bit more, be more proud than before.

What a fantastic player Rachel Yankey has been. If it was not for

her, Sue Smith, you would be at 100 caps by now. She is one of your

best mates. Final thoughts tonight comedy think England will do it

comfortably or not? I think they will do it but not comfortably. I

think Croatia will make it hard. However, I think we have got the

class and the experience. I think we will win. I'm going for 2-0.

will go three or four. I think 5-0. Let's go for it! We are almost

ready to go. You can get in touch with us here through the usual

Facebook and Twitter channels. experience has been consigned to

history. England can refocus their efforts on qualifying for their

next major gathering. If they do not manage it here today against

the Croatian side they beat 6-0 in March, it would be a huge surprise

and an even bigger disappointment. All talk around the England camp

this week has been about avoiding complacency. That may be their

toughest opponent here today. Lucy, it has got to be a big England win,

surely? Yes, you would expect on paper. They do not want to be

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 125 seconds

embarrassed like they whereat Hull. clearly fired up for this one. Fara

Williams will take Kelly Smith's role. Eniola Aluko is the main

striker today. Karen Bardsley is These players have a lot of

experience. Croatia have little pedigree at this level. Their coach,

Dean Klafuric, is clearly looking to youth. Five teenagers are

starting. There is no place for them most capped player, Sandro

Zigic, who was suspended on Saturday. Will soon they will begin

plenty of defending today. -- we seem. They will come here to defend.

several big days for her. Many people will be wondering if she

still had a role after the World Cup but she has played her best

football since then. The thing she has got his pace. She has kept

herself fit. She is athletic. She has done really well over the last

few years. Our referee today's from mortar. -- our referee today is

but there is extra pressure to qualify. The Croatian team will not

lay down. They will be tough and they will be physical. It is a big

day for the Croatian players who do not often get to play many big

games in big stadiums. For the youngsters, then maybe a lot of

nerves and also nerves in the England team as well. It is never

easy in a game where everyone and they will try to beat Croatia.

-- England have got a game plan. Getting ready to play in the

European Championships in a Sweden team hares. They anticipating

the edge of your own area. They will not one to concede to pressure

early in the evening. -- they will will be a very busy player today.

Only 17 years of age. England have to win this game to a qualifying

ahead of the Netherlands. -- to qualify ahead. If England do not

win, they go into the play-offs. They cannot qualify as a best

runner-up. Holland are currently in bodies up to the ball and attacking

full stoppage would be a boring game for the supporters if they

stayed in the penalty area. This is a game where Croatia have nothing

to lose. They know they finish team after a broken finger before

the qualifiers, before the Olympics. She is no longer first choice for

score today on such a momentous day she was stopped. Would be dangerous

to a set piece. I wonder does Rachel Yankey fancy the quicker

one? It worked against the Dutch, the only one in the game. The

referee not allowing her to take it support as she headed towards the

penalty area. Sometimes, you lack the confidence going for a 20 lose

a lot, but when you are young, you do not have much fear. India drew

leading by now against Croatia back in March. -- England were leading

by now. It is a must-win game. Until they score the goals, the

put her, she puts in a good performance. She is capable of

momentum going. In the end, the shot from Fara Williams goes right

underneath. Great stuff. It ended up with Rachel Yankey getting under

way. But she managed to get a strong hand to it. She will not be

easy to beat in the goals to date home record. They won their last 11

games, only conceding one goal against the Olympic champions, the

will not be long until she is a Centurion. A nasty foul.

assistant referee put up the flag for offside. That is what he has

given. The assistant going for the earlier infringement. In England

penalised for the second time. Getting a bit frustrated. For the

assistant referee to give it, eventually he did. Rachel Yankey

will take it. She can try and bend in the ball. The referee is making

sure there is not much bumping and barging happening inside the

penalty area. The central defenders got there first. That is why there

is a conversation. The defenders might get mixed up with the keeper

is. -- keepers. First England of the goalkeeper. Croatia's only.

Coming in a 3-3 draw against Slovenia. -- Croatia's only point

came. They want to replicate the is a very good player technically.

She will make a difference today. She will get England going. Early

days, but has not been an anticipated goal rush so far. One

role today, almost like the Kelly Smith role, and not just because of

the shirts numbered. Fara Williams is going deeper than Kelly Smith

would. She pulls the strings in the mid- field and will be expected to

that Hope Powell would expect this to go. Keep the intensity going.

Would there be a well keep the intensity for 90 minutes, I do not

Great work from Steph Horton. Just managed to get to it. -- Steph

she has been unorthodox for word. She started against the Dutch.

Eniola Aluko will look to run the channels that she needs. She is as

good as any defender in the world in terms of her pace. I am sure

Ellen White would be involved as well, but she is on the sidelines

following a second yellow card in the competition in Slovenia back in

June, so she is suspended. It is good that England have the strength

and depth in the class players that are not playing and those that are

back. The Flag stays down. It is behind Rachel Yankey. England are

creating the space here behind the creation back four. We need to be a

bit patient. Yes, that crowd will want to see lots of goals. England

will be prepared and will have their game-plan and well played

patiently and opportunities well be patient to get her place back in

the England team. She was barely involved in the World Cup 12 months

ago. She is a player who does things people do not want her to do,

breaks up play. She is tough. She Landeka or, it was more of a

trundler in the end. Sometimes when you have a young team, there is

nothing to fear. That is what the coaching staff will have drummed

into them. They are playing in a -- in front of a bigger crowd than

they used to. They will not qualify. It is about them gaining experience

which they will have done in this qualifying campaign and it will

hopefully stand them in good stead for other opportunities. Their

coach was also in charge of the junior side so he will know all

around with a bit more confidence now. England are still yet to score

in this game. I'm sure Holland are watching this game on the BBC back

home, maybe with fingers crossed. There have been on top of the group

now for over 12 months. There is the coach of Croatia, Dean Klafuric.

There was very little between the two sides, England and Holland,

when they met in June. Their coach was believing his team would play

in the play-offs. It is difficult, these campaigns, where it is just

the top ones who go through and the rest go to a play-off. It so

important to maintain your consistency. Holland have done that

and will hopefully come through. Scurich will take the free kick.

Holland will qualify as the best run up if England win this game,

unless Scotland can win by four clear goals against France. It is

0-0 at Tynecastle in that game at the moment, it also kicked off at 5

o'clock. If you are wondering why we are playing so early in the

evening, it is all down to UEFA. Russia are also involved and they

are kicking off in Moscow. They are several hours ahead which is why we

stadium. The atmosphere is a long way at the moment from what we

experienced during the Team GB games at the Olympics. An England

who has really come to the fore She played like this when she was

16, full of confidence -- Sophie Bradley. She has really grown in

relative safety of the England half ball well again. She is not afraid

to come off her line and collect the ball. England have a few

misplaced passes and they need to raise the intensity of it. If they

pass the ball more quickly in -- sure not be able to deal with them.

England have played here three times and had convincing victories

on every occasion. That would have been a great story but Yankey fired

over the bar. That was a great move by England and the way a Luke Rowe

took the ball in her stride. -- Eniola Aluko. It was a great

killed that. That was the second decent chance England have made in

There was an arm around the neck so have it! England are on the way!

was threatened a couple of minutes ago. You will see there, the

movement down the left-hand side by Steph Houghton really creates

openings for England. You can see the force she put in with the

weaker left foot. Eniola Aluko put the keeper under pressure. Jill

Scott was there to tap the ball home. Hopefully this will give them

the confidence that they need to go on and score more. Great optimists.

She does that so often, Jill Scott, lingers around the penalty area.

be fair to the keeper, it was a good save you have to get your

defenders their first. 1-0, England. Jill Scott's 11th international

goal. That should settle England down. She had such a great World

Cup for Hope Powell and now hopefully she has set her team on

the way to the European involved in the build up, having

had such a good Olympics. She was in fine goalscoring form for

England before that as well. think it is so difficult for

defenders, the ball that she put in was tremendous and well dealt with

by Eniola Aluko. The last few minutes have been good for England

and they will hope to capitalise on that. That is another free kick.

She is spending so much time as a wing at the moment, Alex Scott. The

challenge this time was from Jelencic. A originally Alex was a

forward. She likes to be forward. The AA 18-year-old certainly put

herself about in the opening tried something different then.

What a great save that was. It was just point blank. Casey Stoney gets

her side ft attic but she still had to save it. The flag was up for

offside so it would not have counted but Stoney did not know and

Basset certainly did not know. are finding it difficult, 20 odd

minutes. England have scored here, just to confirm, they are now top

of the group as things stand, head of the Netherlands, who would also

qualify as the best runner-up. Somebody has done some quick maths.

It is all done by computer these deeper since that goal was scored.

They were camped around the penalty England colours would like to see

up there on her own when the white shirts converged on her. It is so

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 125 seconds

difficult to do that, occupy both Scotland game, they are playing the

French at Tynecastle in Edinburgh and they need to win that game by

four clear goals. It is goalless at the moment. England are doing them

Scotland do not score a few goals in that game. Houghton seemed to be

England who have carved out a number of decent chances so far in

addition to the goal scored by a Jill Scott. There is not the

quality into the box that we want. A few England players waiting there

extremely well so far, stands firm. Again, well done from the keeper. A

cheeky little bald by Eniola Aluko. She has been bright. Just a bit too

again. The impression the keeper has made in the first half an hour

of this game means it is one-on-one like that, Rachel Yankey is not

going to stick her leg in there. Vicky per is strong and confident.

-- of the keeper is strong and confident. So far she has done very

well, Doris Bacic. There are two 17 year-olds in the squat and she got

edge of the penalty area by England. You think the second goal will come

fairly soon. They had obviously worked at this knowing how Croatia

would defend against them. Just creating space. At the moment, the

keeper is in the way, making it more than one. This has been a very

good venue for England. They have beaten the Czech Republic 4-1,

Belarus 4-0, and Turkey 3-0. That was Rachel Yankey's one hundredth

cap and she scored in the 3-0 victory as England win another free

Aluko. The flag is up. A foul a throw, according to the referee.

For 30 minutes played, a relatively narrow score a lion, but England

could be out of sorts already. -- narrow scoreline. They are playing

with confidence and patience. have only conceded two goals in the

entire qualifying campaign and they came in the opening game against

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 125 seconds

Serbia of when they gave away a It looks like M&S, tough tackle

between two players. -- it looks like in a nest, tough tackle.

knees coming together, that is always very nasty. By Rhys nothing

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 125 seconds

intended there, she just went for would be great for England. A good

counter-attack by England, but just Fowler to step how to an's right

foot. -- just felt it to a Steph shouting, keep it moving. She wants

to work the Croatian team as much as she can before half-time. To be

fair to England, that is what they have done and she wants to keep the

intensity hive. That is where the again. Every single England player

far away for the second time! Rachel Yankey doesn't score that

many with her head, and just running down from Karen Carney,

just wide of the coast. -- post. Sometimes the formation is a bit

rigid, but it is very fluid today with Rachel Yankey getting on the

ball out from the back, but giving in this game until they can find a

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 125 seconds

playing on the halfway line at the from inside the penalty area.

Having Rachel, Rachel Yankey in front of you, then that makes it

difficult. England almost playing without a centre for word, but

Eniola Aluko is popping up everywhere. -- forward. Good to see

Fara Williams on the ball, she can find the gaps through. As long as

England win this game, a bid will qualify automatically for the

European Championships in Sweden next year. -- we will qualify. As

things stand, Holland will join them automatically as the best

runners up. Scotland need plenty of goals against the French to deny

lot of things. The shot gets a deflection, and England are

grateful that it went into the arms of the goalkeeper. When Croatia

tried to defend and not lose, it is important to have a threat, and

they do have a threat at going for word. The tricky players are quick

and can create opportunities. You do not want to spend the whole time

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 125 seconds

goal tally. The she scored during for granted in this game. It is

still one-0, and the Croatian coach will be happy at the way that

things are going and have stuck at their game. He would just want his

team to improve over the campaign, towards the penalty area. That will

single player back around the and the ball has diverted across

the area. In the end, a rather weak shot, but England got away with it

there. A catalogue of errors that merely created a beleaguered

opening for Croatia. It just came back there. She kicked the air. A

wrong decision and the wrong play at the wrong time. You can see how

a nervous you could be at one else. -- at 1-0. You have to be careful

not to concede. That can happen sometimes when you are under attack.

Croatia will get lots of confidence with Casey Stoney. To nothing that

was a deliberate foul. -- do not think. If it was, it would have

been a penalty. Some treatment for Croatia's main striker. The water

will not do any good! England do have the lead here. Some great play.

Eniola Aluko did really well, and Jill Scott, poaching like she often

does. Gets it on target, Jill Scott races to be the first to it.

England will want a few more or, or maybe one more, before they can

in the first half. Shouts of a hand ball from the crowd. It has been

given by the assistant referee. Coming towards the final minute of

the first half. One additional Could have gone down the first time,

but chose not to. Not really something Rachel Yankey does his

died. She wants an opportunity to score. -- not something Rachel

Yankey lead normally does, diving. Jill Scott, clouted following the

Croatian goalkeeper has been the star of the first half -- Doris

She definitely did the right thing there taking a touch. She saw her

name in lights before she took the finish the first half with a free

kick. But they play on, the referee initially blew the whistle. Then

for Yankey. England will finish with a corner but the half-time

whistle has gone. It has not been the goal rush many people were

anticipating so far. Hope Powell and her team are halfway towards

the European Championships though. Only one goal, several chances,

several near misses. Jill Scott with the goal. At half-time,

England never liked to do it too easily, whether it is the men all

the women. What did you make of it? I think Croatia did exactly what we

thought. They made it difficult for England like we said earlier.

England created chances. We knew that was what they were going to do.

We could do with getting a few more. It is nerve-racking for us are here.

We have controlled possession but it is important that the players

keep the ball moving, keep changing position. Eniola Aluko is popping

up all over the field but we need other players doing the same thing.

They are very compact. They are playing very tight across the back

and five in midfield, shielding the centre-halves. There is not a lot

of space. That passes have to be so precise in that area to find

players' feet. Yes, they have to keep the ball moving because that

is when we create our chances. was huge relief when the goal did

come in the first half, scored by Jill Scott. It was picked up by

Asante and then the cross came in from Steph Houghton. We saw so much

from her in the Olympics. Perhaps the keeper should have done better?

Yes, we were saying they should keep it out wide. We were saying,

get the ball out wide and that is what Steph did. The keeper maybe

should have done better but Gill is an absolute poacher in the box. I

am so pleased for Gill and so pleased we can relax a bit. I think

the keeper has made some good saves and she looks very composed with a

good presence in the net, considering she is only 17. But you

would expect her to have pushed it away from danger. We had good

bodies in the box. We have had a few positions where Eniola Aluko

has got into that position. She needs to have a better final

product. We did wonder whether that goal would come. There was a good

chance for Karen Carney, the keeper was forced to make a save. Yes, a

few times there have been saves from free kicks and Karen Carney

getting on the end of the shot. That was fantastic. First of all it

hit Rachel Yankey. A fantastic save from the keeper. We thought it was

her wrong hand but me not being too much of a goalkeeper, I have not

got a clue! Just before the goal came, Rachel Yankey had a chance.

Unfortunately for her and England, AA came on her right for it and she

is famous for her left foot, as you are, Sue Smith. This came on her

right foot, a wonderful build up. Yes, it was good Interlink play

between the two of them. You would want that on her left foot but she

has had a good strike. She had another one a bit later which ended

up on her head. She can see she wants that opportunity to score on

such a special day for herself. think it is positive she's getting

on the end of them. She can say she was making those runs and getting

on the end of it. She should be confident in the fact she is

getting there. And she would like that on her left foot on ahead

record-breaking day, how 120 eighth cap. 45 minutes left for England to

book their place on a plane to Sweden next summer. The women's

Super League was the brainchild of the FA who were looking to

revolutionise the game in this country. Has the experiment worked?

We want to make the game as professional as it can be, and

arguably one of the best teams in the world for football. There are a

number of problems for the Winter League. Poor facilities, postponed

matches and very little marketing of the game. Some of the better

players went to America in particular. We have had an issue

with pitches which affects the quality of play. We felt we needed

to start again so we created the women's Super League. It was

launched in March 2011 and is a brand new Elite League which plays

across the summer months from March to October. We have created a club

licence system. The club's other best eight teams on the pitch and

off the pitch as well. There is a professional structure to raise the

bar and standards and improve the quality of the competitive level,

the elite level. They have got the right facilities, commercial

backing, marketing expertise to help move the game on. It has been

a long time and planning, a great deal of anticipation. Chelsea get

the new FA Women's Superleague under way. For the first time,

women's football is on TV every week, there is a highlight stroke

and a number of live games. Fantastic! A moment of real quality

from Rachel Williams! The important thing is the football. They went

right to the wire, Arsenal beating Birmingham to the top spot on the

last day of the season. 2014 will create the second division so we

have promotion and relegation between the two. We will see some

top players come back and they will make it more competitive. Listen to

the cheers for Kelly Smith. It has really improved. I think the fan-

base has improved as more people come to the game. We would that

more people to come but slow and steady progress is what we are

seeing. The clubs have focused heavily on Twitter and Facebook to

build fans and get follows. Each club has a digital ambassador had

their job is to build the profile and get the message is out there

and get people following bent and following them on TV. Takes someone

like Steph Houghton who was the star of the Olympics. She had

$9,000 before the Olympics are now around 25,000. Steph Houghton,

could she scorer again? Yes, she could, what an Olympic games she is

having. A game against Brazil was fantastic, 70,000. I'm sure we will

try and see if we can arrange another women's game here next year

in order to keep that momentum going. We have shown from the

research following the Olympics that more people are likely to come

along. Football fans are more likely to come along now and see

women's football. It is a nice environment to bring the family.

You will see the players stay after games to sign autographs. It is all

about getting the players as close as possible to the fans and about

encouraging girls to come along and also to play. We have had a

roadshow with nearly 5,000 girls coming along across the country.

pathway is a lot easier for girls from that age to reach the top

level. There are lots of little facets. They have been some

challenges. But we have seen fantastic developments. More and

more fans coming to the game, regular broadcast coverage, new

sponsors, top players coming back. We are really pleased with how it

has gone so far. Raising the standard at club level can only

help at the international level. I think we have made the right

decision going to a summer league. Time will tell. From that

perspective, I am really pleased. I have been to a lot of matches and

it does seem to have made a difference from a spectator's point

of view. What about from a player's point of view? What difference has

it made? I think from a player's point of view, the fact we could

train every day. Before, we worked a nine-to-five jobs and we had to

fit in training afterwards. The fact that the competition has got

better, Arsenal used to run away with things, now it is a lot

tighter. There are five or six teams who can all challenge. That

makes it better internationally. Hope has better players to pick.

Have you noticed a difference? at the state of the pictures, games

are not postponed as much which is not only frustrating for players

but also for fans to find out about the games, it is very hard. If

games were being called off they could not find out when their team

was going to play. And also how close the players try and work with

the fans. As Kelly was saying, it is more of an experience for them

to come and feel part of it, rather than just the players being people

they cannot touch. Hopefully they will inspire them to play as well

as come and watch. Your Arsenal team won the first season last year,

it looks like you well done -- you will do it again. People think you

dominate all the time but you have been pushed very close. Everton and

Birmingham are your rivals. Last season we were chasing Everton and

Birmingham the whole way. When you can put the performances in and get

the games, this year we have led from the start, pretty much. We

were fortunate to get Kelly, Alex, Gemma Davidson back from America as

well. In general with the competition, you go out there

without knowing you're going to have four or 5-0. That is pleasing

for the players but also for the people coming to watch. That must

be lovely for you, what it is to be an Arsenal player! For details of

when and where to go, go to www. FA E W S L .com. A reminder that he

are England are leading one hiding 0 against Croatia. A regular at

matches is the Trevor Brooking and he is picked side.

Are hello, we're here with Trevor Brooking, used support these

women's matches often, what did you think of that first half?

result is really important, we have to win to top the group. Weather

that has caused a few nerves, I do not know but the passing has not

been good. The passing has been poor. We had a couple of little

spells for five minutes when I think it was a new code played and

then after that we got the goal but Jill followed up. Idea of thing we

have tested the goalkeeper, when you think how much attacking play

we have had -- I don't think we have tested the goalkeeper. That

performance has not matched what I was hoping. A bit of a nervous

start. A lot of people are cheering on Rachel Yankey, hoping she can

get a goal. 120 caps, she has broken the record and she may

possibly break Peter Shilton's record as well. I think Rachel has

done really well. About a year ago she went off form a little bit.

Then she really rediscovered her appetite and worked really hard

last year. Great credit to her. She is a good role model and an example

for our younger players. It would be nice if she could score. If that

chance was on her left foot I'm sure she would have done. Very

important that they do qualify for Euro 2013? We had a fantastic

summer for the Olympics, the ladies playing at Wembley when they beat

Brazil in front of 70,000 was a great moment for them. They have to

build on that legacy and qualify and get in the finals in Sweden

next summer will be really important and hopefully try and

bring some of the younger players through to get the tournament

I have seen him at all of the matches and he knows a lot about

them. He will be anxious with England's leading had won gold to

zero. -- leading had one-0. Let's put it to chance Croatia had just

before the break. It is almost a comedy of errors. Yes, a bit

comedy of errors. Yes, a bit jittery, you need to be calm and

collected. A good following by the Croatian. You need to keep your

composure and concentration. She only needs one chance, and when it

is so close in a game like this. Eniola Aluko, as busy as ever for

our indents. Yes, this is what she can do. She can pick out a player.

He yes, that final pass. And Rachel is a very quick. The goalkeeper has

done well. You have to put your foot up sometimes. La LEA from Jill

Scott, Rachel Yankey is through. -- lovely from Jill Scott. A very

experienced. How many times have we seen Rachel Yankey nipping in

before the goalkeeper when she is slow off the line?! She must have

been thinking, please a fall on the left, but a good turn from Karen

Carney and that is why you wanted to be. From some of the crosses

that we had, over the years, we have always lacked somebody

attacking the ball up front. Karen Walker in the past, some people may

not to know what she is, but she puts her body on the line. If it is

being delivered in the air, you need to attack it, rather than

waiting for it to drop down. Play on the floor. These players do not

want to be in the play-off draw on Friday, they want to be there of

their own right. Time to go back to the best runners up at the moment,

because Scotland are trailing 2-0 against France at half-time at

Tynecastle. Scotland need to win with a good score line to put

pressure on the Dutch. But the England! This surely seals the

place for England at the European Championships! An unorthodox way of

kicking it. It took the goalkeeper by surprise. She is the second goal

scorer! I think she was looking for a flag. She was almost surprised to

score. A-grade the finish into the corner. She is sort of scooped it

up. That will count. In off the post this time. That will just

settle in England with a perfect start to the second half. I would

think the fact that they were told during half-time to keep passing

and keep moving and you'll get the reward. It is good that it came so

crowd since kick-off. A very good attendance here at the stadium,

here at the Banks's stadium outside Birmingham. Many people came here

to see seven goals and hopefully now they well. -- sees some goals

but the Dutch will also go through as the best runners up unless there

is a big change in the game between Scotland and the French. Scotland

need to win by four clear goals and at half-time, they were trailing 2-

0. Those of the group's up skeins will join the other big names in

the draw. -- the group's six names out of the way. Fara Williams can

Holton has great technique. -- Steph Houghton has great technique.

A great strike. She scored a couple like that during the Olympics for

tournaments for injury during her career. She will be desperate to

make an impact at the European Championships. It is made for her.

She had the bad luck, and I think the rest of it is coming with hard

work and some luck as well. She is one of the top players in England

has managed to get through her career without debate injury. At

international level, when you're at a very few months, you have some

time to get back to international level. Rachel has done so well to

stay fit all the way through. What incredible achievement. I played

against still pulled hard, and she was a fantastic player, so she well

be the very proud to the, Rachel Yankey, to break her record. -- I

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 125 seconds

made a good impact. -- the team and Croatia seem to be stepping up.

Off the woodwork again! It has cleared off the line! England

queueing up right here! Eventually, a corner. England could have scored

three times. With Croatia, if you are going to defend well, you need

bodies on the line. Everything from Yankey again. Eniola Aluko is

Scott, defending well in front of Rachel Yankey. They are queuing up

inside a parlty area once again. -- to get a touch from the keeper. She

played incredibly well. She had to do, otherwise it would be many more

themselves in the early evening sunshine here. -- England are

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 125 seconds

it is more important that they get European Championships, as cement

that things do not go horribly wrong in the last 30 minutes. --

herself after that goal. Many at the team mates anticipating that

shot. Alex Scott thought she would end up with a shot here. But she

really recover form since the World Cup. Yes, and she has had the

chance to play at this level and for Team GB. She creates goals, she

has scored, so that is effective for her. A busy time for Alex Scott,

she would take the throw-in. But They are enjoying themselves.

Batter someone's school tie. Someone is in trouble! There are

plenty of young supporters here, enjoying the England performance so

far. A goal from Yankey would Birmingham City. There is plenty of

local support for her here. looked like she had One Direction

behind the goal cheering her on. the goalkeeper. -- she got there

ahead of the goalkeeper. This game is developing into attack against

defence now. Alex Scott takes it superbly. In fairness to Croatia,

bay -- are they are defending quite well. If you set yourself up as a

defence and you are compact, it is difficult. They have done well so

far. The final touch of Alex Scott. England are yet to concede a goal

against Croatia. It was a 6-0 win back in March. In their previous

meetings England have won 5-0 and 2-0. They will be keen to keep that

Kolar. Sophie Bradley does well because she spent the whole of the

second half watching her team-mates attack. When she had to defend she

did. It is great recovery. All the England players were in the

opposition's halves. Good recovery from the defenders. A moment of

Eni Aluko have scored the two goals here so far. England could have had

plenty more apart from some wayward finishing and the form of the

Croatian goalkeeper. Landeka does well to come away with the ball.

The problem is, when you are defending so deeply, when you're

attacking, there are not so many She always fancies a girl and she

is capable of scoring them as well. She has got the cover from safety

Bradley. She has freedom down the right hand side. -- are so few

herself justice in a major tournament. She was injured in the

World Cup. She is a class act in terms of what she can do with the

ball. Everybody here today will want them to win this game. They

will want to be part of the squad next summer and put in performances

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 125 seconds

which means Hope Powell has no Salek is only 17 years old. She

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 125 seconds

made her debut at the age of only for Croatia in that position.

Williams charging down the clearance. The referee says no

penalty. It was cleared away at the far post. Scurich with a touch

again. What about that? Fara Williams, the ball came off and she

put her body between the goalkeeper Fara Williams is now at the other

end. She inadvertently set up disappointing finish. She is quick.

She managed to get a shot of there. Strong as well. But not on target.

At 26, she is one of the veterans way in this game but they have not

quite built on the second girl. think sometimes when you have so

much of the ball, you have to make the right decision each time. They

will be happy just to win this game. That is the thing, you win it, that

is the goal for today. But a lot of goals will be good for the Crown.

But the three points is the most... England Darin control of their

what a save! Rachel Yankey has come alive this second half. Such power

in that shot. All she could do was palmed it away. The first time shot

by Alex Scott, great technique. He will definitely be approved a of

his goalkeeper today. Grudging applause by the coach there. Half a

dozen really good saves by Doris Bacic. Here is the save -- the

change. An 18-year-old goes off and That really could have gone

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 125 seconds

Bardsley has had to do in the has shifted the ball to the right.

Allison Scurich has got in the way That was a brave shot at the far

missed. I do not think hope will be happy up howl open this game is at

the moment. They have been a couple of times where it has come to

nothing but the signs are there that the spaces are there at the

back. That is new tent Heidi from Jill Scott. -- neat and tidy. Alex

Scott's determination to score has Powell does have options on the

Duggan, from Everton, I wonder if we will see her? She has a lot of

experience that younger age groups. It would be quite nice to give her

a little bit of experience and may become one and get a girl. Maybe

hope it is thinking of making changes will stop -- may be Hope

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 125 seconds

Powell is thinking of making second change. Izabela Lojna is

about to come on. Rachel Yankey waiting for this shot and she went

for the past. She needed to have a shot. She was in a great position.

I was surprised she did not blasted at the goal. Eniola Aluko was very

clever there. I am sure she will try it again in this game. There

she is, lurking on the halfway line at the moment, such is the desire

runners up behind England and qualify automatically. It is now 5-

0 to the French. Scotland will be heading towards the play-off draw

at the end of this week. No shame on Scotland, France are one of the

favourites going in to the competition next year. Ensure they

will be looking to get through the play-off spots. Scotland have

qualified, having won every single game. Also, the same for it to

leave. They did not concede a goal. -- the same for the Italians, they

did not concede a goal. Good work on the right-hand side by Alex

the bottom corner. Couldn't manage off. Izabela Lojna is replacing

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 125 seconds

them. The ad and look very happy! - tonight. One of the larger

attendances that England have had and they will want one or two more

goals before the finish, and England will as well, because the

possession statistics will be very interesting at the end of this game.

It has been all England, they just have not put as many away as they

would have liked. Around of applause for Karen Bardsley as she

picks up the ball. Toni Duggan just given a chance. Yes, and she has

done well getting into the squad, and good to get a few minutes on

the pitch, it will do her the world of good. She has said experienced

club-mates in the squad alongside her like Rachel Brown and Jill

by the woodwork. NF past the post to get it out of the way. -- enough.

Yankey. The crowd giving her the applause that she deserves. I am

sure there are many more caps to come for her. A big smile. Rachel

Yankey, the record-breaker, making way for somebody else. Toni Duggan,

her first appearance at full off! Casey Stoney! Great technique!

She will be pleased. Great work by Karen Carney down the left-hand

side. The England captain was watching everybody else have a dead

goat, she thought, I will have a go myself. -- everybody else having a

go. Her fifth international goal in her 104th appearance. When she

finishes like that, you wonder why to his scorer with the exception of

Karen Bardsley in the remaining 10 losing to Germany in the final.

They will be looking for at least a place again. Yes, they have done

well since that competition. The strength in depth of the youngsters

coming through, England will be going to the tournament full of

confidence that they could get there and perhaps win it. Perhaps

and here she comes again. -- Toni Duggan almost makes it on her

debut! Toni Duggan could have scored twice in that move. Croatia,

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 125 seconds

for Everton. When Everton player has already scored tonight, Jill

Scott. -- 1 Everton player. Toni Toni Duggan coming in, they are

confident, they know this system, and they are not afraid either.

They used to playing had a higher level. -- they're used to playing

the end! A good effort with her left foot. A lot of footballers,

men and women, they cannot strike the ball just as well with both

file a Croatian change. She has done well. England are aware of the

counter-attack. Another 17-year-old coming on for Croatia out. When he

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 125 seconds

threatened to put the kids in, he but their qualification already

ground and concedes the free-kick. Our real tussle down the side.

is going off. Claire Rafferty comes on. It has been a switch inside to

tonight he would have thought England could score 6, 7 or eight

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 125 seconds

goals and sq they could have done. forward so far then she has and the

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 125 seconds

rest of this game. Wave sent waves driving rain here for the final

minute of the game. A shower of player of the match. There will not

moment. Three added minutes. would think the referee would put

the Croatian team out of their misery but instead they have added

three minutes. I wonder what is at the bottom of that rainbow. England

know they have a place that the European Championships. Six wins

and two draws. Both they and the runners up, Holland, will be

qualifying automatically. Scotland will be into the play-offs to try

and make it to Sweden second time group, only six goals scored in

their qualifying games, unless they can find one during injury time.

They had one chance in the first half which was almost presented by

England's mistakes, they have not really troubled Karen Bardsley. On

the other hand, at the other end, Doris Bacic has stopped her team

England half which has been the case for much of the game. The rain

is absolutely teeming down here now. Just in time for 6,000 people to

of next year so England will have plenty of warm-up games in the

meantime. Hope Powell will still want competition for places.

will. She knows she has strong players to choose from as well. It

has been a professional performance tonight and three points. Hope

Powell leads her side to a 5th successive major tournament. Eni

Aluko scoring the goal in the opening seconds of the second half,

just soon settle the nerves. The captain, Casey Stoney, making a 3-0.

They could have been so more. That will do for England. They have

qualified for England, for the European Championships. They have

beaten Croatia by three goals to England have won the group. They

have qualified for Euro 2013 and they are safely in the draw in

It is the first time now they have topped the group. Faye White,

relief all round? Yes, a relief, now we know we are in that drawer.

Next July we will be in Sweden. A team like England now, the fact we

a qualifying for major tournaments is a major plus and it will help us

keep developing and having the experience that we need to push on

a bit more. Was it as comfortable as you thought it would be tonight,

Sue? No. We had a lot of possession. We were constantly in their half

but there were times we were thinking we need to score. There

was a worry that they could break away and get one back. We know that

England like to make a sweat a little bit. I think the girls have

got to be happy. They looked relieved. They looked like, thank

goodness we have got through. This was a massive game for them. It is

easy to slip up in games like this when you are expected to win. Hope

said not to be complacent. She said to go out there and play their game.

That is exactly what they did and scored their three goals,

comfortably in the end. We have come to expect England to qualify

for major tournaments now ever since they hosted Euro 2005, they

have not slipped up. That is right. It is down to Hope Powell to keep

developing big players. We talk about the number of caps some of

the players have. When we go to tournaments now, we feel like we

can win and compete with the top nations like France, Germany and

Sweden. Four years ago, we got to the final, played against Germany.

Each time it is getting better. Now it is major tournaments, have been

consistent performances and when the big games come, being able to

put those big displays and match- winning performances actually

winning matches. Let's look at how England did it, how they qualified

for Euro 2013. The first goal scored by Jill Scott. It was

fantastic play by Stefan initially down the left-hand side,

considering she is not a left footed player, she picked someone

out. That was a lovely ball to Eni Aluko and she hits it first time.

Gill is a page in the box and that is exactly what she did there. -- a

poacher. Gethin Eni Aluko was involved in the news of that as

well. It shows the desire. A centre-forward coming into midfield,

did try and pick up the ball and move players around. Gill did well

running in behind with Fara Williams, not as much as we would

like kerb too. And the second goal scored by a your player of the

match, Eni Aluko. She was constantly a threat, constantly

making a move. That is why we picked around. I don't know she

toe-poked it but it was a nice finish into the top corner. It is

what she had to do. We can hear now from the England coach, Hope Powell.

Hope, congratulations, 3-0 win, they did exactly what you asked

them to do? Yes, got their three points. In patches, I thought we

played very well. It has been a good week in terms of training.

They transferred very well onto the pitch. How much of a relief is that

there you qualified automatically? It is a relief. It means we do not

have to go through play-offs. It is nice to qualify automatically top

of the group. Now we can focus on being top of the group. Eni Aluko,

can I get you to pass over the champagne, Hope, and how much did

your golf settle down the team? think it was important to get the

second one. We said we should not let up. Which said we should be

ruthless in front of goal and their chances. I am thankful I got on the

scoresheet today. Thank you both very much.

Smiles all round on the pit and smiles all round up here in our

studio because we are joined by the victorious England captain, Casey

Stoney, she is also a goalscorer. It does not happen too often but I

found myself in the right area. was a fantastic finish. Here you

can see your own goal. It was Karen Carney with the ball down the left-

hand side. I would like to do that every week. Did the game go as

expected it to? I think it was a bit frustrating that we had so many

chances and did not finish them. At half-time we knew we were still in

the game. We knew they would be physical which they were. We kept

the ball moving well at the time. We know there are things to move on

and we have qualified. goalkeeper had a good game. Have

you seen videos of her? No, she was a surprise package because she was

not the number one goalkeeper who had played in the past. She looked

really young. She is a prospect for their future. She kept them in the

game for long periods. Any thoughts of Euro 2013? You have got the draw

on November 9th, you are now used to qualifying, isn't an expectation

that is on your shoulders? Definitely. It is an expectation

that we qualify. We are looking forward to Sweden now. The hard

work begins now. I'm sure we will be looking forward. It has not been

a hangover from the Olympic games, on the contrary, you have had

something positive to look forward to? Definitely, it has been great

to get back into W S L. That is a fantastic league. This is what we

needed after the Olympics, to get the win is even better. Casey

Stoney, thank you. My thanks go to Faye White, good luck to you in the