PREVIEW: England v Northern Ireland | OneFootball

England play a first competitive match at Wembley Stadium on Saturday evening when they take on Northern Ireland in a FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia New Zealand 2023 qualifier.

The Lionesses have twice played under the famous arch before but both of those games were international friendly matches.

England head coach Sarina Wiegman has confirmed that she has no injury concerns to contend with ahead of the match following a successful week on the training pitch. Arsenal defender Leah Williamson will retain the captain’s armband following her successful auditions in the games against North Macedonia and Luxembourg last month.

Northern Ireland will be without star striker Simone Magill due to a family bereavement. Defender Rebecca Holloway pulled out of the squad yesterday as a result of a niggling injury while attacker Emily Wilson could face a late fitness test.

Both sides won their opening two qualifying matches for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia New Zealand 2023 last month. England have now not lost a qualifying match for 19 years while Northern Ireland have won each of their last eight qualifying ties.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia New Zealand 2023 qualifier between England and Northern Ireland kicks-off at 5.15pm on Saturday evening. Tickets remain on general sale and are available here.