Powell's England begin preparations

Following their qualification for the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup last month, England return to action a week on Wednesday with a stern test against world and European champions Germany at VFR Aalen's Waldstadion.

Impressive records
The Germans were the only country to go through qualifying for next year's World Cup in China with a 100 per cent record, scoring 31 goals and conceding only three. England were similarly impressive on their way to the finals - unbeaten with six wins from their eight games and a record of 29 goals scored and just two conceded, one of those in their final match against France.

Powell focused
England coach Hope Powell is looking forward to the test. "After the emotions everyone experienced in France, the planning for China starts now," she said. "I was so happy for the players that their hard work paid off in Rennes, but we have to be professional and acknowledge that we are still trying to close the gap on the top nations in the world. We wanted the test of playing against the world champions. No one is going to start making unrealistic predictions about how we will fare in China, but we will be sensible and set ourselves a series of challenges over the next twelve months."

Big talents
The match will showcase the talents of two of the world's finest female players, with current FIFA World Women's Player of the Year Birgit Prinz coming up against England's Kelly Smith, a leading contender for this year's prize. The striker is part of a 20-strong England squad that remains unchanged from that which claimed a draw in France on 30 September.