England’s interim head coach Hege Riise has hinted that she will make a number of changes to her side for tomorrow night’s international friendly against Canada at the bet365 Stadium in Stoke.
The Lionesses lost 3-1 in their last match against France in Caen on Friday. A familiar England line-up produced a very familiar performance as the Lionesses stuttered at the Stade Michel-d’Ornano.
Despite the Lionesses’ bright performance against Northern Ireland at St George’s Park in February, the out of form post-FIFA Women’s World Cup England team very much returned against France. Riise’s side were eventually well beaten in Caen after conceding some sloppy goals whilst missing big chances at the other end of the pitch.
When speaking in her pre-match press conference ahead of the Canada game, Riise simply answered ‘yes’ when asked about making changes to the side before adding some clarity.
“It is important for us to see all of the players in these two games,” Riise said. “That is the reason for us to change things up so that we can see other players in different positions.
“We will be making changes and we will hopefully see most of the squad.”
England travelled to France without The FIFA Best Women’s Player 2020, Lucy Bronze, who has been carrying an injury. Riise went on to say that it is touch and go whether the full-back will be ready to face Canada.
“She stayed back at SGP when we were in France,” she said. “We will decide after the session today if she is able to play and if so, how many minutes.
“That will be a discussion for us after the session today but she is doing better.”
England registered 18 shots on the French goal on Friday but just six were on target. While the Lionesses’ own goal was breached on three occasions, Riise said that it is in attack where improvement is most needed.
“There were parts of the France game that were excellent,” said Riise. “We just need to finish our chances. That’s the detail, it is not easy but that is the detail that we are looking for going forward.
“We will review the France game and see leading into Canada how we can improve the areas where we were lacking in the last game.”
England’s international friendly fixture against Canada is scheduled to kick-off at 7.15pm on Tuesday evening and will be broadcast live on BBC Four.
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