ANNA Newell has been selected for the England netball squad - and is now just hoping to win her first cap.

The 21-year-old Rishton girl came through the trials in Nottingham at the weekend and will hope to make her full national bow in a Tri-Nation series against World Champions Australia and Jamaica in England in February.

The wing defence - who can also play centre and wing attack - has played for the England side since Under 16 level but has yet to make a start for the senior side.

She has recently been to Australia where England played three Tests but Anna didn't play in the Tests although she got a run out in other organised games.

"That was a good experience, the training was hard and although I didn't get a chance to play in the Test it was good being part of the squad," she said.

And now, with getting picked again, Anna will be going to Barbados for ten days for pre season training.

"The trials are always difficult as there are 40 girls and they are the best in the country and you are just never sure how you've done," said Anna, who will begin a degree in psychology at the University of Central Lancashire in October.

"They told us an hour after the trials had finished which was great as we didn't have to wait too long and to go to Barbados will be an experience - although I will miss the first week of University."

England are looking ahead to the Commonwealth Games next year and then the Netball World Championships in Jamaica in 2003.