Full Arnold Clark Cup schedule as England Lionesses begin World Cup preparations
England's Lionesses will get the chance to add another piece of silverware to their trophy cabinet when they take to the field in the Arnold Clark Cup this month.
Manager Sarina Wiegman has described the tournament as the "perfect preparation" for this summer's World Cup, where the Lionesses will be bidding to replicate the same heroic form that saw them triumph at EURO 2022 - after winning the Arnold Clark Cup in the lead-up to that momentous summer.
But what exactly is the Arnold Clark Cup and just how important could the tournament be ahead of what promises to be a huge summer for Wiegman's side?
What is the Arnold Clark Cup?
The Arnold Clark Cup will see four international sides face off in a round robin style tournament. Each team will play each other once and the team that tops the standings after those matches will be crowned champions.
This is the second edition of the tournament, with England having toppled Germany, Canada and Spain to claim the inaugral Arnold Clark cup last year.
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Who is taking part?
England will once again be the host nation at the tournament. They will be joined by Korea Republic, Italy and Belgium.
Korea Republic are currently 15th in the FIFA World Rankings, making them the highest-ranked opposition the Lionesses will face in this year's tournament. Both Korea and Italy will also be using the Arnold Clark Cup as preparation for the World Cup, while Belgium failed to qualify.
Captain Leah Williamson has returned to the England squad after missing the last two camps through injury (Getty Images)When is it taking place?
The tournament begins on February 16, with England set to face Korea Republic, while Italy and Belgium will also go head to head.
Matchday two will take place on February 19, when England will take on Italy, and Korea Republic will take on Belgium. The final matchday will take place on February 22, with England vs Belgium following Korea Republic vs Italy.
Where is it?
Each matchday will be a double-header, with one ticket affording fans access to both games.
The first double-header will take place at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes while the games on February 19 will take place at Coventry's CBS Arena and the games on February 22 will take place at Bristol City's Ashton Gate.
Why is it important?
This year's tournament will give the Lionesses a chance to extend their impressive 26-game unbeaten run under Wiegman but, most importantly, it will allow the manager to assess her squad ahead of the World Cup.
For key members of the squad, like captain Leah Williamson - who missed the previous two camps through injury - the Arnold Clark Cup will provide the perfect opportunity to rediscover the stellar international form that helped England to victory at the Euros.
For some other players, like young Everton duo Jess Park and Emily Ramsey, the tournament will be a chance to show the manager exactly what they can do and consolidate their place in the squad before Wiegman names her 23-player squad for the summer.
Sarina Wiegman addresses her players ahead of a training session in the latest England camp (AFP via Getty Images)Reflecting on the importance of the Arnold Clark Cup, the Dutch coach said: "Everything we do now is about being ready for the World Cup. It's great to have the opportunity to defend this title in front of our fans.
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"Facing three different, good oppositions - each with a different style of play - and playing three matches in seven days is the perfect preparation for the challenges that await us in the summer."
Full Schedule
Thursday February 16
Italy v Belgium, Stadium MK, 4:45pm
England v South Korea, Stadium MK, 7:45pm
Katie Zelem, Lucy Bronze and Lauren James of England look on during a training session (The FA via Getty Images)Sunday February 19
England v Italy, Coventry Building Society Arena, 3:15pm
Belgium v South Korea, Coventry Building Society Arena, 6:15pm
Wednesday February 22
South Korea v Italy, Ashton Gate, 4:45pm
England v Belgium, Ashton Gate, 7:45pm
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