Keeper calls for league shake-up

Brown made her debut in 1997 against Germany

Lancashire's England goalkeeper Rachel Brown believes it is vital that the Football Association takes a closer look at the women's game.

The 27-year-old says more money is needed in order for the sport to develop and improve.

"What needs to be addressed is the state of the domestic women's game and we need to restructure the leagues," she told BBC Radio Lancashire.

Brown made her England debut in 1997 and has 49 caps.

The Everton keeper believes women's football has been transformed over the past few years.

She added: "I think a lot of money has been given to the sport at grass roots level and now we've seen thousands of more girls teams set up."

I'm coming back from my injury now and my objective and aim is to get back in the England set up for the next game in April Rachel Brown

"I've been involved with England now for 12 years and I have seen it progress from a certain level and standard we competed at and then to where we are now. The improvement is massive."

The Burnley born player, who is currently recovering from injury, has been left out of the squad to face the Czech Republic in Thursday's Euro 2009 Qualifier but she remains confident that she will reach 50 caps.

"I'm coming back from my injury now and my objective and aim is to get back in the England set up for the next game in April."