FOUR Birmingham City ladies have made it into the under-19s England squad for the UEFA European Championship Finals in Germany.

It's the first time four players from the Blues, who play at Redditch United's Valley Stadium, have made it into the full squad.

England ladies coach Mo Marley has handpicked Beth Bailey, Faye Cardin, Katy Ward and 16-year-old Umbro young player of the year, Eniola Aluko.

England qualified for the eight-nation finals as the best of three runners-up and face a tough draw against the current champions Germany in the group stage.

England then line up against Sweden on Friday, July 25 followed by Italy (July 27) and then current holders Germany two days later.

The second finals group features the likes of 2002 finalists France, the Netherlands, Spain and Norway.

The top two in each group go through to the semi-finals, with the three later stage games all being broadcast live on Eurosport.

England have a proud championship record to uphold following last season's achievements which saw the national side reach the semi-finals in the European championships just losing out to Germany by a single penalty.

Headless Cross Ladies have been dealt a massive blow on the eve of the new season.

Rob Auld, manager of the West Midlands Division One South side, is on the lookout for new players after three members of last year's squad moved on.

Star striker Mandy Ellicott has opted to join Premier Division side Leafield Athletic while central defenders Shelly Dixon and Sharon Porter have also moved on - Dixon leaving the area while Porter has moved into coaching.

Auld is particularly keen to attract defenders to the side and anyone interested should either contact him on 07855 865692 or 450304.

Players can also attend pre-season training at the Pathways Pitches, Matchbourgh West, every Sunday from 11am to 1pm.