Sarah Lloyd has confirmed her reputation as an England star in the making after being selected to represent her country for the third year.

For the Darwen Netball Club ace has been called in to the England squad for European Championships which take place in Bath later this month.

While it will be the 18-year-old's third appearance at a major competition, club-mate Rachel Bedwell has been selected for England for the first time -- but she too has a bright future in the game.

Rachel, 16, is in the England under 17s netball squad for her own age group European championships which will also take place in Bath between March 12-14.

The Darwen teenager, who goes to Turton High School, made the national squad after attending a series of trials and tests in Sheffield.

Both girls have played for Lancashire and attend the Manchester Velodrome for weekly training sessions for the England Home Training Programme.

Sarah's call-up is another stepping stone in her career as she now has selection for the England squad to compete in the 2005 World Championships firmly in her sights.

However, the pair's immediate aim is to break in to the England Under 21s squad for next year's Junior World Championships.

Darwen Netball Club coach, Suzanne Gosling believes her two players have a great chance of making the squad.

"Sarah has been in the England set-up for the past three years but this is Rachel's first call-up to the national squad.

"However, they both have a very good chance of making the Under 21s squad."

The pair, who were in the Darwen team who were crowned All England Under 16s champions in 2001, play in the same wing attack position.

Suzanne added: "Wing attack is the favoured position of both Sarah and Rachel. Luckily they are good enough to play in other positions."

In January, Sarah was named Blackburn Sports Council's senior sports personality for her achievements in the sport.

Last year she helped Lancashire win the All England Inter Counties Under 18s Championship and was a member of the England Under 17s and Under 19s who won gold medals in previous European Championships.