Following the announcement of the final 23-player England squad for this summer’s UEFA Women’s EURO yesterday, the Lionesses return to competitive action this evening when they face Belgium in an international friendly at Molineux in Wolverhampton.
Chelsea’s Fran Kirby and Manchester City’s Chloe Kelly made the final selection after overcoming illness and injury but head coach Sarina Wiegman opted against retaining the services of Sandy MacIver, Steph Houghton, Niamh Charles, Lucy Staniforth and Katie Zelem for the tournament.
Wiegman is thought to have a near-fully fit squad available to her this evening with Jess Carter being the only doubt. The Lionesses boss could opt to carefully manage the minutes of Manchester City defender Alex Greenwood with the player having only recently recovered from COVID-19.
Belgium head coach Ives Serneels will not select his squad for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 until Monday meaning that his players will very much have a point to prove in Wolverhampton this evening. The Red Flames squad initially contained 33 players but Jarne Teulings, Shari Van Belle, Marie Detruyer and Zenia Mertens left camp yesterday. Isabelle Iliano is also out of contention for the EUROs due to an ongoing injury. Barclays Women’s Super League fans may have the opportunity to see Reading midfielder Justine Vanhaevermaet in action while the Belgian side is also likely to contain former Manchester City forward Tessa Wullaert.
England’s international friendly against Belgium kicks-off at 8pm with tickets available to purchase by clicking here.