AN England debut is on the cards for both Lacey Owen and Georgie Hetherington after they were both named in the England squad for their upcoming clash with Wales next weekend.

The pair are two of six York Valkyrie to be included in Stuart Barrow’s 20-player squad, alongside 2023 Woman of Steel Sinead Peach, Tamzin Renouf, Tara-Jane Stanley and Liv Wood.

The occasion will mark a senior England debut for Hetherington and Owen, who have both made the step up from the England Knights programme.

Both have made their impacts felt for the Valkyrie this season, including notable contributions in the BWSL Grand Final earlier this month.

Wigan Warriors’ Anna Davies is also in line to gain her first England cap, having scored a hat-trick for GB Teachers. She is included in the squad alongside experienced Warriors forward Vicky Molyneux.

Read more: 

St Helens and Leeds Rhinos are also well represented in Barrow’s squad, captain Jodie Cunningham joined by six of her Saints’ teammates - including young talent Eboni Partington - whilst Woman of Steel nominee Keara Bennett and Grand Final try-scorer Caitlin Casey are among four Rhinos in the squad.

Half-back Georgia Roche, who swapped Leeds for Newcastle Knights at the beginning of the season, will also return to play at Headingley for the first time since her move Down Under.

Explaining the decision to hand Hetherington, Owen and Davies potential debuts, Barrow said: “We had a really competitive selection fixture on Wednesday night which made the decision on who to include and who will miss out very difficult, but this can only mean that the standard and depth of players in the women’s game is getting better and better.

“I am really pleased to add Georgie and Anna to the squad to face Wales next Saturday. 

“They’ve both had a fantastic season with their respective clubs and they’ve both progressed through England Knights which proves that the pathway is working.

“We’re now looking forward to going into camp next week and getting on the pitch at Headingley.”

Nine Valkyrie had been named in Barrow's 41-player performance squad earlier this week, and were given a run-out in an Origin Yorkshire vs Lancashire training match on Wednesday evening.

Stanley turned out for Lancashire, whilst Savannah Andrade, Jas Bell, Emma Kershaw, Hetherington, Owen, Renouf and Wood all played for Yorkshire.

Captain Peach sat out as a precaution with a minor foot injury.

York Press: York Valkyrie players after their Origin match with England earlier this week.York Valkyrie players after their Origin match with England earlier this week. (Image: York Valkyrie)