Neid ends Grings' three-year absence

Head coach Silvia Neid recalled FCR 2001 Duisburg forward Inka Grings to Germany's women's squad for the first time in over three years as she announced the selection for a friendly against China in Bielefeld on 25 February and the subsequent Algarve Cup games to be played in Portugal next month.

Old and new
Grings' last game for the national side was a FIFA Women's World Cup qualifier against Scotland in October 2005. Célia Okoyino da Mbabi also returns to the set-up following her serious shin injury. While Neid has opted for the experience of Grings, she has also called up Bianca Schmidt, Katharina Baunach, Nicole Banecki and Kim Kulig, who were all involved in the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup squad which won bronze in Chile last year. "We want to take the opportunity to test some young players," said Neid.

EURO priority
"It's important to see how they deal with the tempo of the game at the highest level," she added. "The young players have the chance now to show what they're capable of and to take on the challenge. At the same time we are looking towards the 2011 World Cup in Germany." However, Neid made the priority for 2009 very clear. "Although we want to try out a few things now, only the best will play at the EURO – regardless as to whether they are young or old."

Germany
Goalkeepers: Nadine Angerer (Djurgarden IF), Ursula Holl (SC 07 Bad Neuenahr).

Defenders: Annike Krahn (FCR 2001 Duisburg), Babett Peter (1. FFC Turbine Potsdam), Bianca Schmidt (1. FFC Turbine Potsdam), Katharina Baunach (FC Bayern München), Saskia Bartusiak (1. FFC Frankfurt), Navina Omilade (VfL Wolfsburg).

Midfielders: Kim Kulig (Hamburger SV), Lena Goessling (SC 07 Bad Neuenahr), Célia Okoyino da Mbabi (SC 07 Bad Neuenahr), Linda Bresonik (FCR 2001 Duisburg), Isabell Bachor (SC 07 Bad Neuenahr), Kerstin Garefrekes (1. FFC Frankfurt), Melanie Behringer (FC Bayern München).

Attackers: Inka Grings (FCR 2001 Duisburg), Birgit Prinz (1. FFC Frankfurt), Fatmire Bajramaj (FCR 2001 Duisburg), Nicole Banecki (FC Bayern München), Anja Mittag (1. FFC Turbine Potsdam).