FORMER Ellingham & Ringwood youngster Poppy Cleall has been named in England's 23-strong matchday squad for their opening pool game in the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

The Red Roses take on Spain for the first time in three years when they clash today at the UCD Bowl in Dublin (2pm).

England last played Spain in the pool stages of the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Emily Scarratt, a World Cup winner in 2014, is set to make her 70th appearance for the Red Roses off the bench, while number eight Sarah Hunter will captain the side.

Cleall, who also played for Wimborne, is one of 12 players who are set to make their World Cup debuts.

The others are Sarah Bern, Harriet Millar-Mills, Izzy Noel- Smith, Amy Cokayne, Vickii Cornborough and Justine Lucas.

Together with Cleall, they all featured in England’s Six Nations Grand Slam campaign this year. They are joined by Abbie Scott, Heather Kerr and Zoe Aldcroft in the forwards.

In the backs, Megan Jones and Leanne Riley, who both featured in England’s successful three-Test tour in New Zealand in June, will also make their World Cup debuts.

Full-back Danielle Waterman and inside-centre Rachael Burford will make their fourth World Cup appearance, having played in every tournament since 2006.

England Women head coach Simon Middleton said: "We are really happy with the way our tournament preparation has gone and the squad have worked really hard over the past number of months.

"Now it’s about translating that hard work and preparation and delivering performances on the pitch.

"We have a strong squad and want to use the full depth available to us throughout the World Cup. We are looking forward to getting the tournament underway."

England matchday 23 against Spain: Danielle Waterman (Bristol, 70 caps), Lydia Thompson (Worcester Valkyries, 34 caps), Megan Jones (Bristol, 4 caps), Rachael Burford (Harlequins Ladies, 67 caps), Kay Wilson (Richmond, 45 caps), Katy Mclean (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks, 86 caps), Leanne Riley (Harlequins Ladies, 11 caps), Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins Ladies, 26 caps), Heather Kerr (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks, 8 caps), Sarah Bern (Bristol, 11 caps), Abbie Scott (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks, 17 caps), Zoe Aldcroft (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks, 4 caps), Harriet Millar-Mills (Lichfield, 46 caps), Izzy Noel-Smith (Bristol, 32 caps), Sarah Hunter (Bristol, 93 caps), Amy Cokayne (Lichfield, 28 caps), Rochelle Clark (Worcester Valkyries, 124 caps), Justine Lucas (Lichfield, 22 caps), Poppy Cleall (Bristol, 12 caps), Alex Matthews (Richmond, 32 caps), La Toya Mason (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks, 66 caps), Amber Reed (Bristol, 39 caps), Emily Scarratt (Lichfield, 69 caps).