England Women face Switzerland World Cup play-off test

Women's World Cup qualifying play-off
First leg: Shrewsbury, Sunday 12 Sept, 1905 BST
Second leg: Wohlen, Thursday 16 Sept, 1800 BST
Coverage: Watch first leg live on BBC Three and the BBC Sport website (UK users only)

By Tony Leighton

Powell has been in charge of England since 1998

England have been drawn to face Switzerland in next month's Women's World Cup qualifying play-offs.

The Swiss, at 26 in the world, are ranked 17 places below Hope Powell's side and are the lowest ranked of the eight nations contesting the play-offs.

In six previous meetings with their play-off opponents England have won five times and drawn once.

The first of the two legs will be played at Shrewsbury's Greenhous Meadow on Sunday 12 September.

The drawn match between the teams came in the most recent encounter, a 2-2 stalemate in March's Cyprus Cup, but England were way below full strength.

Powell was, however, unhappy with her team's performance in Nicosia and will use it as an anti-complacency warning to her players ahead of the two-leg play-off.

We must prepare ourselves diligently for these two games to ensure we give ourselves the best chance to qualify England coach Hope Powell

"On paper, we will be expected to qualify for the World Cup but we can't underestimate the Swiss," she insisted.

"Our recent experience of playing them showed how tough they will be.

"They're an improving side with some talented young players and they'll want to get to the finals just as much as we do.

"So we must prepare ourselves diligently for these two games to ensure we give ourselves the best chance to qualify."

The second leg in Switzerland will take place in Wohlen's AG Stadium the following Thursday.

The other three European play-off ties will see France face Italy, Ukraine take on Norway and Sweden meet Denmark.

The Women's World Cup finals will be played in Germany during June and July next year.