WARRINGTON women will be given the chance to defend England's world championship crown.

England coach Tom Pickering has named the same squad that won last year's World Angling Championship in Slovenia, which means more chances of glory for Warrington's Wendy Lythgoe, Wendy Locker and Helen Dagnall.

They will line-up for England at Furzton Lake in Milton Keynes over August Bank Holiday weekend.

Team manager Frank Lythgoe, who is secretary of Warrington Anglers' Association, said: "The squad is well prepared and confident. They know the pressure will be on them but this year they will not have to face a two-day drive across Europe to compete.

"No-one should expect this to be a walkover victory for England but we are quietly confident we will do very well."

Pickering added: "We have an excellent squad and they have done well in practise. We will go into the championships as favourites but we have to be cautious. Teams of the calibre of Italy and France will also catch lots of fish on this venue."

The Warrington women will be keeping a close eye on the form of the championship water.

National Federation of Anglers president Ken Ball had a five-hour workout on Furzton Lake and took a roach or perch on every cast.

He said: "I ended up with more than 30lbs of small fish taken on a six-metre whip. The water is heaving with fish."

The organisers hope the world championships will attract a good crowd.