University of Georgia Athletics
Baker Named To England U-20 World Cup Team
October 26, 2008 | Soccer
Baker left the team for a little more than a week earlier this year to join the England National Team in preparation for the World Cup. Baker was born in England and holds dual citizenship with the United States, allowing her to play with the England National Team.
“I was excited when I heard I was going to be part of the World Cup team,” Baker said. “I know this is a rare opportunity and I’m fortunate to be a part of the squad. The experience will benefit me as a player. From this trip I am looking forward to seeing all the different cultures and experiencing the atmosphere of a world stage.”
The U-20 World Cup is designed like all other World Cup formats; the FIFA U-20 World Cup has four groups with four teams apiece and the top two teams, based on a round-robin format, from each group advance to the elimination round. Mo Marley will coach the U-20 National Team.
“We are extremely excited about Ashley's recent selection to the England squad that will participate in the upcoming U-20 World Cup,” head coach Patrick Baker said. “She is a tremendous young talent and to represent your country is one thing, but to play for them in a World Cup is very special. Ashley has trained and worked extremely hard to get to the goalkeeping level she performs at now on a regular basis. We wish her and the England squad the very best.”
In 2007, the majority of the players named to the U-20 squad played in the European Championship, where the squad made its first final after falling to Germany in the championship.
Baker hasn’t logged any minutes for the Bulldogs during the regular season, being the backup to Georgia’s formidable tandem of goalkeepers Michelle Betos and Courtney Cripps. The Lilburn, Ga., native, however, has made great strides during the season and will undoubtedly obtain valuable experience playing against some of the best young competition the world has to offer.
England’s first game is Nov. 19 against the host nation, Chile. England will also face New Zealand and Nigeria in round-robin play. The quarterfinals will begin Nov. 30 and the U-20 World Cup Final is Dec. 7.
