Lionesses name squad for Finalissima showdown with Brazil

Lionesses name squad for Finalissima showdown with Brazil

England have confirmed their squad for April’s Finalissima showdown with Brazil.

Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman has largely kept faith with the group which lifted the Arnold Clark Cup last month in the final selection before this summer’s World Cup.

The European champions will face the queens of South America at Wembley on April 6 before going head-to-head with World Cup co-hosts Australia on April 11.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Hannah Hampton and Manchester City defender Esme Morgan have returned to the fold, while uncapped Lucy Parker of West Ham has also been included.

Injured Emily Ramsey has dropped out alongside Lotte Wubben-Moy, Katie Zelem and Ebony Salmon as the Dutch boss names a 25-player squad for the two clashes.

Wiegman, 53, said: "We are getting closer to the World Cup and I can't think of two better games to assess our progress. 

"After these games, there will be less than three months until we fly to the tournament and we must make every second on and off the pitch count. 

"For us as a technical staff this will be the last chance to see the players within our England environment before we come together for the final preparation phase in June. 

"And these two matches will be two real tests to see where we are at."

There is still no place in the squad for Tottenham poacher Bethany England, who has scored five goals in her last six Women's Super League games.

Wiegman has instead picked Manchester United's Alessia Russo and Villa ace Rachel Daly, who has been listed as a striker despite regularly featuring as a left-back for her country.

Chelsea midfielder Fran Kirby remains absent from the squad due to a knee problem, while Beth Mead is continuing her recovery from an ACL injury which has kept her out of action since November.

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