England Women to train in Qatar: Phil Neville names 28-player squad

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, An artist's impression of a stadium to be built for the men's 2022 World Cup in Qatar

England Women will travel to Qatar on 15 January for an eight-day, warm-weather training camp.

Boss Phil Neville has named a 28-player squad, including a recall for fit-again Seattle Reign striker Jodie Taylor.

The Football Association signed a memorandum of understanding with Qatar in February 2018 to share knowledge.

ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Sport understands the camp has been planned partly to learn more about what players and fans can expect if England reach 2022's men's World Cup in Qatar.

The Lionesses will use the training camp to prepare for the upcoming SheBelieves Cup tournament in the United States and this summer's Women's World Cup in France.

Left-back Demi Stokes returns after injury, and Reading midfielder Jade Moore and Chelsea's Karen Carney are also back in the squad.

Man City goalkeeper Karen Bardsley is recalled after a spell on the sidelines as one of four keepers - including her 19-year-old City teammate, Ellie Roebuck.

"After a well-earned break in December, most of the players are back in club action and will be ready to push on," head coach Neville said.

"The SheBelieves Cup is a demanding tournament with quality opposition. This training camp in Qatar is crucial for our preparation, as we begin an important year."

For the past three years, England Women's January training camp was held in La Manga in Spain.

England Women's 28-player travelling squad

Goalkeepers: Karen Bardsley (Man City), Mary Earps (Wolfsburg), Ellie Roebuck (Man City), Carly Telford (Chelsea).

Defenders: Hannah Blundell (Chelsea), Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Lyon), Rachel Daly (Houston Dash), Gabby George (Everton), Alex Greenwood (Man Utd), Steph Houghton (Man City), Abbie McManus (Man City), Demi Stokes (Man City), Leah Williamson (Arsenal).

Midfielders: Karen Carney (Chelsea), Izzy Christiansen (Lyon), Fran Kirby (Chelsea), Jade Moore (Reading), Jill Scott (Man City), Lucy Staniforth (Birmingham City), Georgia Stanway (Man City), Keira Walsh (Man City).

Forwards: Toni Duggan (Barcelona), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Nikita Parris (Man City), Jodie Taylor (Seattle Reign), Chioma Ubogagu (Orlando Pride, on loan at Brisbane Roar), Ellen White (Birmingham City).