Peter Barker To Make England Debut In European Championships

Essex left-hander Peter Barker has been selected to make his senior debut for defending champions England in the European Team Championships later this month in Austria.

In the five-man squad announced today by England Squash, the 22-year-old world No24 from Upminster will join team-mates James Willstrop, Nick Matthew and Lee Beachill (ranked 3, 7 & 8, respectively, in the world - and all from Yorkshire) and double Commonwealth Games gold medallist Peter Nicol, the world No6 from London.

The women's squad, defending the title it has held since 1978, will feature Vicky Botwright (the world No5 from Lancashire), Jenny Duncalf (No8, Yorks), Linda Elriani (No9, Sussex) and Tania Bailey (No10, Lincs).

"Peter Barker has made positive progress on the international circuit over the past year, winning two titles and climbing steadily up the rankings, and thoroughly deserves his chance to play for the England senior side for the first time," said England National Coach David Pearson of the player who represented his country in both European and World Junior Championships.

England have held the men's title since 1994, though have survived close battles with France in the last six finals. "France are particularly strong at one and two, with former world number one Thierry Lincou and fast-rising Gregory Gaultier, but I am confident that our strength in depth will prevail again," added Pearson.

"The women's squad will once again be under considerable pressure, having never lost the title in the event's 28-year history. The Netherlands, led by world number one Vanessa Atkinson, will undoubtedly provide their toughest opposition - but again we have a strong squad and should come through unscathed."