Hope Powell, the England women's coach, was pleased with the perseverance of her side after the win over Turkey which secured a top-placed finish in their World Cup qualifying group.

Goals from Rachel Yankey, Ellen White and Jess Clarke sealed a 3-0 victory which ensured a play-off spot for a place in next year's finals in Germany.

"You do get frustrated when you create so many chances, you want to try something different," she said.

"To be fair to them, they handled themselves relatively well. We had so many chances to score, they didn't go in [so] they persevered with it."

Next month's qualifier against Austria is rather academic, but Powell will expect her side to treat it as a serious test ahead of their play-off in September.

"The squad is very competitive now and we've probably not had it as competitive as this in all the years I've been in charge," she said.

"We bring a bigger squad [in the build-up to games], but can only name 18 players. This week that selection has been really tough. We've just tried to balance it. The competition's fierce, which can only be good"