As the clock ticks towards London 2012, athletes’ preparation and training is paramount in developing the best foundations for success on the world’s biggest sporting stage.

Helen Davies scored a debut victory in Warsaw last night but she couldn't prevent England going down 3-2 to Poland just six weeks after England beat the Poles 5-0 in Swindon. Nathan Robertson (pictured) mae his 93rd appearance for England.

England today named their squad to face Poland in Warsaw on December 16 when Nathan Robertson will make his 93rd international appearance and Cheshire's Helen Davies her senior international debut.

England's Under 19 players achieved first place in the Team Event at the recent U19 Northumberland International Open, held on the 21st November.  The team, made up of Under 17 players, returned home victorious having defeated Wales, Scotland and Sweden.

England followed up their 2-1 series win in Germany last month with a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Poland last night. as international badminton returned to the Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon for the first time in 27 years.

England take on Poland in Swindon on Thursday night in the first international between the two nations outside World and European Team Championships.