Tim Waddington sees tonight’s England Women’s World Cup qualifier as another chance for them to showcase the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

The Lionesses will take on Kazakhstan in front of a sell-out crowd of more than 10,000 at the home of Colchester United, kick-off 7.05pm.

It is the second time that the venue has hosted women’s international football, with England ladies last having played there against Iceland in a friendly in July, 2009.

The visit of the Lionesses to the U’s home ground will be the sixth international fixture to be held at the stadium since the club moved there from Layer Road, in 2008.

U’s general manager Waddington told the Daily Gazette: “There’s nothing better than a full stadium and we’re incredibly pleased that it’s a sell-out.

“It’s a great facility and when there are 10,000 here, it’s incredible.

“We’re chuffed to bits to be hosting international football here again and let’s hope that it’s a great spectacle.

“It’s another chance for us to open the doors and get another audience in and let everyone see how easy it is to come and watch football at the stadium.

“The stadium wasn’t full the last time we hosted an England Women’s international but the women’s game now has a much higher profile, in this country.

“The FA enjoy working with us because we’re good at what we do but we’re always looking to improve our skill set.

“The FA like to move around the country and spread things around but I think our close proximity to London helps, as does the way we do things.

“We get a hire fee for hosting the game and benefit from food and drink sold on the night.

“But the main thing is that it’s good for the community and for us as a club to have a game of this stature at the stadium and our relationship with the FA.”

The Lionesses have a perfect record in Group One qualifying so far, with two wins out of two. The profile of women’s football in this country rose in the summer, following England’s run to the European Championship semi-finals in the Netherlands.

“The summer was stunning in terms of women’s football in this country and the skill, fitness and athleticism was proven to everyone,” added Waddington.

“We’re all looking forward to seeing them play at the stadium and I’m sure it will be a great atmosphere, with plenty of women’s and girls’ teams in attendance.

“The Football in the Community’s women’s and girls’ Wildcats programme has just been launched and they will be our flagbearers, on the night, so it’s great timing in that respect.”