BIRMINGHAM City Ladies have had a staggering eight players called up by England for forthcoming get-togethers.

Cream of the crop is captain Laura Bassett who has been called up for a young-looking full England squad to take on the Italians in a friendly at Viarregio on Tuesday February 25.

The call-up is Bassett's third, with the Blues midfielder a non-playing squad member for the World Cup play-off second leg defeat to France last year and a member of the winter training camp in La Manga.

Bassett is one of three central defenders - the position she plays for her country - in the squad and will be hoping to win her first England cap.

Seven teammates have been called up for a dual under 17s and under 19s training camp at Reading.

The squads will meet on Sunday, February 16 after Birmingham's County Cup semi final at Wolves to train for four days.

Right back Faye Cardin, left midfielder Leanne Griffin, right winger Jodie McGuckin, left midfielder Jo Potter and striker Katy Ward are in the under 19s.

Griffin has figured mostly in Birmingham's second string this season and McGuckin will be part of the get-togther because she is being treated by FA physiotherapists for a knee injury.

Attackera Eni Aluka and Karen Carney - who has recently broken into the first team - will be part of the under 17s contingent.

The Under 19s will play the second group phase of qualifying for the 2003 UEFA Championships on home soil in April where they will take on Denmark, the Republic of Ireland and Spain at venues to be decided.

The youngsters came through the first round of qualifying against Bulgaria, Lithuania and the Faroe Islands in Bulgaria in October.