How many are available for Lionesses?published at 14:04
England v France (Fri, 20:00 BST)
Emma Sanders
BBC Sport in Newcastle
England have two crucial Euro 2025 qualifiers coming up against group leaders France. The Lionesses host Les Blues at St James’ Park tomorrow night before travelling to Saint-Etienne, near Lyon, for the reverse fixture on Tuesday.
I’m in Newcastle to hear from manager Sarina Wiegman at England’s hotel later after France address the media at the stadium.
It will be the first time Wiegman faces European heavyweights France as England manager so it will be interesting to see if she has any special tactical plans up her sleeve.
She will be boosted by the fact she is able to select both centre-backs Leah Williamson and Millie Bright for the first time since April 2023.
However, the media conference will no doubt be dominated by questions regarding the availability of several other key players.
Alessia Russo flew back from Australia to join the squad later this week having played in a controversial post-season friendly with Arsenal, and Women’s Champions League winners Keira Walsh and Lucy Bronze rested at the beginning of the week following their success with Barcelona.
With injuries already hitting the defence – Lotte Wubben-Moy and Niamh Charles have withdrawn – how many will Wiegman have available?