Pictured: Georgia goalkeeper Ashley Baker (UGA Photo)

ENGLAND ­-- Georgia soccer signee Ashley Baker, a goalkeeper from Lilburn, Ga., has been selected to the England Women's U-19 National Team, announced The Football Association recently. She will compete for England at the 2008 UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championships, taking place in France, from July 2nd-20th.

"We are very excited for Ashley and the wonderful opportunity that has been presented to her," said Georgia head coach Patrick Baker. "Her prior performance against Italy paved the way for her selection for such a prestigious event as the European Championships. It is really a testament to Ashley that in just her second opportunity to represent England she will be competing in a tournament of this magnitude. We wish her and the England squad the best of luck."

In her aforementioned appearance against Italy, Ashley Baker (no relation to Coach Baker) played all 90 minutes in goal and recorded a 3-0 shutout victory against Italy in just her first-ever appearance for the England squad. She made six saves in the contest to preserve the clean sheet.

In the upcoming UEFA European Championships, Baker's England squad will face Germany in their opening match, in a rematch of last year's U-19 championship contest. The six other nation's competing with England and Germany include: Italy, Norway, Spain, France, Sweden and Scotland.

"The training that Ashley will receive at this level will be some of the best in the world," said Patrick Baker. "Being able to play in and watch those kinds of games will certainly help her progression not only as a goalkeeper but as a soccer player. This opportunity should provide some invaluable experience that Ashley will bring with her to the University of Georgia in August."

An incoming freshman and graduate of Parkview High School, Baker was born in England and is a British citizen. Recently named the Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Georgia, she is one of six high school seniors who signed a National Letter of Intent to play for the University of Georgia soccer team in the fall of 2008.