GREAT Britain women’s head coach Jesper Holmris has backed his team to compete with Iceland in their Euro 2010 clash at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, despite injury problems in his squad.
Two players have been ruled out through injury, while both the main goalkeepers are recovering - but Holmris is still upbeat about their chances.
Both Jeanett Andersen and Ewa Palies have not joined the squad because of injuries picked up playing for their clubs, while both goalkeepers Sarah Hargreaves and Laura Innes are recovering from injury.
However, both have trained this week and expect to play a part in the game. Amondine Webb has joined the team, while debutant Marie Gerbron gives Holmris an extra option on the right.
“We’re looking forward to the match, but unfortunately we have a few injuries,” he said. “It’s particularly frustrating for Ewa because she hasn’t been able to play for us in official matches before she is released by the French Federation, and now she is free she’s injured.
“Both our main goalkeepers are coming back from injury, but Cerys Walker has come back into the team just for this camp which is great to cover the goalkeeper situation.
“But there are positives for us - we’ve brought Amondine Webb into the team at late notice, and the injuries will mean more court time for Kathryn Fudge which is good for her.
“And our new player, Marie Gerbron, gives us other options. She’s a right wing but can play at right back too which means we can swap Lyn Byl to right back also which gives us more options.
“For me, the Iceland match is more about process than the goals. They are a very good team. They beat Austria which was a shock, but I still hope that we can compete with Iceland.
“They had a very good under-21 team a few years ago and we are now seeing them come through to the seniors. They also have some experienced players, so it’s a good mix. They’re robust, tall and have a good attitude in the team.
“Of course the result is important, but for us it’s not really about winning or losing - it’s about our process goals. We have a plan of progress in which we need to be competitive with Iceland by the end of 2010 and I think we’re on track to meet that aim.”
Two players have been ruled out through injury, while both the main goalkeepers are recovering - but Holmris is still upbeat about their chances.
Both Jeanett Andersen and Ewa Palies have not joined the squad because of injuries picked up playing for their clubs, while both goalkeepers Sarah Hargreaves and Laura Innes are recovering from injury.
However, both have trained this week and expect to play a part in the game. Amondine Webb has joined the team, while debutant Marie Gerbron gives Holmris an extra option on the right.
“We’re looking forward to the match, but unfortunately we have a few injuries,” he said. “It’s particularly frustrating for Ewa because she hasn’t been able to play for us in official matches before she is released by the French Federation, and now she is free she’s injured.
“Both our main goalkeepers are coming back from injury, but Cerys Walker has come back into the team just for this camp which is great to cover the goalkeeper situation.
“But there are positives for us - we’ve brought Amondine Webb into the team at late notice, and the injuries will mean more court time for Kathryn Fudge which is good for her.
“And our new player, Marie Gerbron, gives us other options. She’s a right wing but can play at right back too which means we can swap Lyn Byl to right back also which gives us more options.
“For me, the Iceland match is more about process than the goals. They are a very good team. They beat Austria which was a shock, but I still hope that we can compete with Iceland.
“They had a very good under-21 team a few years ago and we are now seeing them come through to the seniors. They also have some experienced players, so it’s a good mix. They’re robust, tall and have a good attitude in the team.
“Of course the result is important, but for us it’s not really about winning or losing - it’s about our process goals. We have a plan of progress in which we need to be competitive with Iceland by the end of 2010 and I think we’re on track to meet that aim.”
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