Football
Sophie Lawson 1y

England boss Sarina Wiegman rings changes for Finalissima, Australia matches

England manager Sarina Wiegman has made four changes to her squad that won the Arnold Clark Cup last month but there was no room for Manchester United captain Katie Zelem or NWSL star Ebony Salmon.

The reigning European champions will take on Brazil in the inaugural women's Finalissima at Wembley on April 6 before hosting Australia five days later in Brentford.

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Tottenham forward Bethany England also misses out despite scoring six goals in eight appearances in all competitions since completing her move from Chelsea in the January transfer window.

Those who played in February but miss out this time include Emily Ramsey, who is injured, and Lotte Wubben-Moy.

When asked about players who were not involved in the squad, Wiegman told a news conference: "You are looking at, first of all performances: We want the best players, how we consider the best players in our squads, and then it's helpful when the player has been in our team for a long time.

"If you've been with the team for two, three years, then you know how it goes. If you are a little older, but you haven't had that experience, you might need some longer time to get adapted to how we want to play.

"But it's also about the person herself, some players need a little longer to get adapted but others, just straight away they adapt. So, it's all about individuals performances, talents and, and competition in position. So yeah, it's not about the easy way, it's about thinking what's best for the team."

England have named four goalkeepers once again with Hannah Hampton back in the fold for the first time since the 2022 Euros.

Esme Morgan was also included and uncapped West Ham United defender Lucy Parker was selected in England's penultimate squad before the 2023 Women's World Cup.

Jordan Nobbs keeps her place in midfield after replacing the injured Fran Kirby while Rachel Daly is expected to play a more advanced role.

Arsenal star Beth Mead is still out of action after suffering an ACL injury and when asked about her upcoming availability, Wiegman said: "I have had a conversation with her. She is doing well in her rehab. She is doing good but the World Cup is actually too early.

"So what we said now is she is not in our plans now, just really take the time to get back well. If a miracle happens and she goes so fast then we will reconsider it -- but at this moment I don't expect that."

England lifted the Arnold Clark Cup after securing three impressive victories over South Korea, Italy and Belgium last month.

England squad:

Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (Manchester United), Hannah Hampton (Aston Villa), Sandy MacIver (Manchester City), Ellie Roebuck (Manchester City).

Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Manchester City), Lucy Parker (West Ham United), Leah Williamson (Arsenal).

Midfielders: Laura Coombs (Manchester City), Jordan Nobbs (Aston Villa), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Barcelona).

Forwards: Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Jess Park (Manchester City), Alessia Russo (Manchester United), Katie Robinson (Brighton & Hove Albion).

Information from Reuters was included in this report.

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