Sarina Wiegman’s England set for Euros warm-up test against Emma Hayes and her USA stars at Wembley
ENGLAND will take on Emma Hayes’ USA stars in a November clash at Wembley as they ramp up preparations to retain their Euros crown.
Sarina Wiegman’s side will also play Germany in an October game being billed as a rematch of their battle for the 2022 trophy.
The two Wembley friendlies, on October 25 and November 30, follows the Lionesses securing automatic qualification for next year’s European Championships.
The reigning Euros champs will also face South Africa in a friendly at Coventry City’s CBS Arena on October 29, before battling Euros hosts Switzerland at Bramall Lane on December 3.
Their friendly against the United States will also see Hayes coach her first match back on home soil since taking charge of the four-time World Cup winners.
Her side, who are competing in the Paris Olympics, have gone six games unbeaten under the ex-Chelsea boss, 47.
They face Australia in their final group stage game tomorrow evening.
They are also chasing a fifth USA women’s gold medal win in a football tournament at the games.
England chief Wiegman, 56, said: “Securing our place at the tournament next summer, without the need to participate in the play-offs, gives us the maximum time to prepare for the challenge that awaits us in Switzerland.
“With the current UEFA Women’s Nations League format the opportunities to play friendlies are limited.
“Therefore I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to carefully select our opponents and give ourselves four very different and difficult challenges to aid our preparation.
“Each nation has a different style of play, a variety of strengths and that will test us in different ways.
!To play at Wembley again, especially against the quality of Germany and the United States, is really exciting.
“Our fans always show-up and bring the noise when we play there, which really helps the team and no doubt both games will create memorable atmospheres.
“Being able to take the team across the country is also very important to us and we’re pleased to be heading back to Coventry and Sheffield and two excellent stadiums.
“We have happy memories from both cities and I have no doubt the fans will come out in their numbers to support the team, as they always do.”
The Lionesses hope to make history next summer by winning back-to-back Euros following their triumph at Wembley two years ago.
Wiegman’s side are currently the third best in the world, ranked two places above the USA and one spot ahead of Germany.
