Georgia redshirt freshman goalkeeper Ashley Baker will compete in the UEFA European Women’s U-19 Championship as a member of the England national team beginning July 13 in Russia.

England will face Sweden on July 13, Norway on July 16 and Iceland on July 19. The top four teams in the eight-team tournament will automatically qualify for the U19 World Cup in 2010. If this group of nations includes Germany it will increase to the top five teams as the Germans will host next summer’s World Cup.

“I am excited to get this opportunity and I look forward to representing my country,” Baker said. “It is going to e a great experience and there will be quality games against great opposition. Hopefully we will come out ready to compete and put up a good fight throughout the competition.”

Baker, who was born in England and holds dual citizenship with the United States, used a redshirt last year in order to join England at the 2008 U-20 World Cup competition in Chile. She was called up to the England National Team last November.

This spring, Baker rejoined the Bulldogs and played in the team’s exhibition season.

“We are excited for Ashley to have the wonderful opportunity again with the U-19 England squad,” Georgia head coach Patrick Baker said. “She continues to train and perform well for them. Outside of the Youth World Cup, this is probably the next biggest event for the European teams to be a part of and we wish Ashley and her teammates the best in Russia.”

Ashley Baker was the 2008 Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year coming out Parkview High School in Lilburn, Ga.

- Georgia Sports Communications