11 April 2023 , 07:00
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Fresh from a dramatic Finalissima win over Brazil the Lionesses return to action against World Cup co-hosts Australia.
The clash between the two top-10 ranked nations on Tuesday night at Brentford, will take place in aid of the FA's charity partner The Alzheimer's Society. It will be the final chance for England to take the field before the end of the regular season, with Sarina Wiegman then naming her squad for the World Cup finals in July.
The Dutch coach named arguably her strongest side against Brazil at Wembley - little surprise with a trophy on the line. But she won't be able to name an identical eleven against the Aussies at Brentford.
Defender Alex Greenwood, who produced a good performance alongside Leah Williamson in the heart of defence against the South American champions, has withdrawn from the squad after picking up a knock during the win. That means Wiegman will, at the very least, have to name a new back four.
Behind them we can expect Mary Earps to be retained, despite her fumble against Brazil. Only injury would deny Earps the number one jersey at the World Cup and she continues to be one of the first names on the team sheet.
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Man City's Ellie Roebuck is in pole position to go as number two, but Wiegman has already seen her play a couple of times this season. Alongside Williamson, we could see Man Utd's Maya Le Tissier given a chance.
Maya Le Tissier could be set for only her third start in an England shirtAlongside the usual trio of Williamson, Bright and Greenwood, Le Tissier has been one of the best centre-backs in the WSL this season and Wiegman could be keen to see her again before the summer.
Lucy Bronze could be rested at right-back, after putting in such an energetic performance against Brazil, so we could see the in-form Esme Morgan given a chance, but equally she could play on the left if Jess Carter drops out. Considering Bright and Greenwood will miss the game in any scenario, it will be intriguing to see how a slightly makeshift defence copes with Sam Kerr who should start for the Matildas.
Wiegman did say in her pre-match press conference not to expect too many changes against Australia, with the World Cup not far away. And this is almost certainly set to be the case in midfield.
The Georgia Stanway-Keira Walsh axis won't be broken with both so crucial to England's first-choice system that Wiegman wants to perfect. Ahead of them we might see Jordan Nobbs given a start after her excellent run of form for new club Aston Villa.
But Ella Toone reflected England's performance with her own display against Brazil - a strong opening 45 minutes followed by a below-par second half. On that basis Wiegman may need to see more from her ahead of the summer.
Two from a three of Lauren James, Lauren Hemp and Chloe Kelly should occupy the flanks, with Katie Robinson an exciting option off the bench if needed. That leaves room for one up front with the direct choice between Alessia Russo and Rachel Daly.
Wiegman surprisingly waited until the 74th minute to introduce Daly against Brazil, after Russo had equipped herself well against a three-woman central defence. I would be surprised if we go through this international window without Daly starting at least one game, and so I'm going to say she gets the nod tomorrow night.
That would leave England lining-up like this:
(4-2-3-1) Earps; Bronze; Williamson; Le Tissier; Carter; Stanway; Walsh; Toone; James; Kelly; Daly.
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Equally, if there's one thing we've learnt over the last 12 months only a fool would second guess Sarina Wiegman.
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