England women 'excited' ahead of Mark Sampson's reign

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England 'excitement' at new start

Alex Scott has described "an element of excitement" among the squad as England women prepare to start a new era under manager Mark Sampson.

Arsenal full-back Scott, 29, said: "Everyone is showing what they're capable of and fighting for places."

Former Bristol boss Sampson will take charge of England for the first time against Norway on Friday following the sacking of Hope Powell.

The England squad are at a training camp in La Manga, Spain.

Sampson, whose assistant is Under-23 head coach Marieanne Spacey, has promised new players will be given the chance to impress and has included six debutants in his 30-strong squad.

Jemma Rose, Rachel Daly, Gilly Flaherty, Alex Greenwood, Demi Stokes and Isobel Christiansen have all been called up for potential debuts.

Christiansen has been selected in place of Jodie Taylor, who withdrew from the squad because of club commitments with Sydney.

Sampson said: "We've got lots of new faces in the squad and that gives me a good opportunity to see where we are at and will help me make some decisions as we move forward. The door is fully open for every player."

Scott told BBC Sport: "It's a new start for everyone, obviously for Mark with a new team, the fresh faces, even the old faces."

Prior to the appointment of Sampson, Brent Hills was England's interim manager, guiding them to four wins out of four in their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Following their training camp, England compete in the Cyprus Cup in March, hoping to retain the title they won last year.

They then face Montenegro on Saturday, 5 April in a World Cup qualifier - a game that will be screened live on BBC.

Squad in full:

Goalkeepers

Karen Bardsley (Manchester City), Rachel Brown-Finnis (Everton), Siobhan Chamberlain (Bristol Academy).

Defenders

Laura Bassett (Chelsea), Gemma Bonner (Liverpool), Sophie Bradley (Notts County), Lucy Bronze (Liverpool), Rachel Daly (LA Strikers), Gilly Flaherty (Arsenal), Alex Greenwood (Everton), Steph Houghton (Manchester City), Jemma Rose (Bristol Academy), Alex Scott (Arsenal), Demi Stokes (University of South Florida), Dunia Susi (Chelsea), Corinne Yorston (Bristol Academy).

Midfielders

Anita Asante (Malmo), Jade Moore (Birmingham City), Jordan Nobbs (Arsenal), Jill Scott (Manchester City), Fara Williams (Liverpool), Isobel Christiansen (Birmingham).

Forwards

Eniola Aluko (Chelsea), Karen Carney (Birmingham City), Danielle Carter (Arsenal), Gemma Davison (Liverpool), Natasha Dowie (Liverpool), Toni Duggan (Manchester City), Lianne Sanderson (Boston Breakers), Ellen White (Arsenal).

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