England manager Hope Powell has praised the BBC following the announcement that the Euro 2013 qualifier will be screened live.

The game between England and Croatia will be live on BBC Two next Wednesday from 5.00pm. A win will take England’s women to the top of their group and secure automatic qualification for Euro 2013 in Sweden.

Women’s football coverage was prominent on the BBC during the Olympics as Team GB managed to attract large audiences for the games. Hope Powell also managed the Team GB woman’s football team.

“I say it every time, but it really is fantastic to have the weight of the BBC behind us. When they show our games they really help to promote women’s football in this country and their coverage is always excellent.” – England manager Hope Powell

BBC Director of Sport Barbara Slater added: “Bringing women’s sport to as wide an audience as possible is really important to us and we’re delighted to be showing this game live on BBC Two.”