Breakers Midfielder Lianne Sanderson Joins English National Team

On Monday, England Women's National Team head coach Mark Sampson named his 23-player squad ahead of Thursday’s World Cup Qualifier against Ukraine. For the second consecutive match, Sampson selected Breakers midfielder Lianne Sanderson.

On April 5, the Watford, England native appeared in a Qualifier against Montenegro, when the attacker scored a goal during her country’s 9-0 victory. England now stands atop World Cup Qualifying Group 6.

Thursday’s match, which will take place at Shrewsbury Town’s Greenhouse Meadow in England, marks the second of England’s six Qualifiers during this calendar year: matches against Belarus, Ukraine and Montenegro still remain.

On April 27, Sanderson broke back into the NWSL scene, scoring a pair of goals while collecting one assist. Her performance helped earn NWSL Player of the Week Honors.

Although Sanderson serves as the only NWSL player to represent Team England, she will be joined by former Breakers Kelly Smith and Alex Scott. Sanderson will not miss any club action, as the Breakers have the weekend off before hosting the Chicago Red Stars.

Check back for up-to-date Breakers coverage as the team looks to rebound from a sluggish 1-3-0 start.