England's best yet for Rachel Unitt

Local lass Rachel Unitt today declared England's squad as the best yet.

The Walsall-born left-back is set to make her homecoming in tonight's World Cup qualifier (7pm) against Turkey with the Lionesses a win away from topping Group Five.

They are on course to net a play-off spot for next year's tournament in Germany after strolling through the group with five wins and a draw.

And Unitt, a former Willenhall Comprehensive student, reckons the squad has never been better.

"From 2005 up to now the squad has improved and since I've been involved over the last 10 years this is the strongest squad I've been a part of," said Unitt, whose four-year-old nephew Sam is England's mascot tonight.

"We've got a lot of youngsters coming through. We watched the Under-20s World Cup in Germany last week and there are players in that squad who are knocking on the door now.

"We've not really performed to our potential in the last few games but still managed to get results so it shows the quality of the team."

The 28-year-old scored twice in England's 4-1 win against the Czech Republic at the Banks's Stadium in 2005 but missed out when they returned to play Belarus in 2007.

And the Everton defender is determined to make up for lost time.

"It's nice to play at home and to be playing locally is a bit more special. I missed out last time so hopefully I can play tonight," said Unitt, who will be watched by parents Terry and Debbie.

"There are plenty of people coming down, old school friends and family. Hopefully it'll be a good crowd. With the school holidays, hopefully we can get about 8,000."

Manager Hope Powell believes England are overwhelming favourites and Unitt agrees with her boss but knows Turkey are a different team to the one they beat 3-0 in November.

"We're definitely favourites as we played them a few months ago and won 3-0," said 71-cap Unitt, who scored the third in Izmir.

"We scored three late goals so we know what they're about, they bank 11 players behind the ball and counter.

"I scored against Turkey last time but half the squad has changed as the Turkish FA has put a bit of money into their women's team.

"They've brought in players who have played in abroad. It'll be a tougher game than last time."