Photo: Taylor in action for the Thorns in the NWSL (Credit: Portland Thorns)

Defending champions Canberra United have added more firepower to their squad with the signing, on loan, of England striker Jodie Taylor from the Portland Thorns.

The 2013/14 W-League Golden Boot winner with Sydney FC, Taylor returns for her third stint in the W-League with the 29 year old previously suiting up for Melbourne Victory (two seasons) and the Sky Blues.

In Taylor's time away from the W-League, the striker has risen to prominence on the world stage with the England Women's National Team and at club level in the American NWSL.

At international level the Birkenhead native has notched up five goals in 11 internationals, including a first half goal against Canada in the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup quarter final.

In the NWSL, Taylor finished equal third on the top goalscorers list after recording 11 goals (tied for third) and two assists during the 2014 regular season for the Washington Spirit.

Headhunted by the Portland Thorns for the 2015 season, her scoring form continued with 3 goals in 7 matches.

As well as Australia and the United States, Taylor has also played for Birmingham City - assisting the club to the 2012 Women’s FA Cup - and in the top flight Damallsvenskan in Sweden, scoring 10 goals in 10 matches for Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC.

Taylor is United's fourth international and 21st roster player.  Canberra will need to play one of their internationals as "guest player"

With the "guest player" rules changing in 2015 - the player can now play 7 non-consecutive matches - Rae Dower will have the option of which matches to use the player.

Jodie Taylor has already joined the Canberra United squad for training ahead of their season opener with Brisbane Roar on 18 October 2015.