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England Owner Sarina Wigman She is looking forward to a different challenge as her side is ready to take on brazil In a friendly match at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
The two teams will meet for the first time since their clash in the Finalsima at Wembley Stadium in 2023, where the hosts came out on top in the penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw.
The England team will take the field for the first time after winning the Euro this summer and will face Australia in the derby three days later.
Wiegman confirmed keira walsh She will captain the team on Saturday in the absence of Leah Williamson due to injury.
He said: “They are very physical and athletic. They have a lot of pace forward. They can play football but they also want to play really fast forward – so that will be a challenge for us.
“With the South American mentality, there will be a lot more flair. We’re trying to stay away from the fight a little bit and play football.
“It’s always a test. It’s really good that we have four friendly matches in a few months. Try new things, see new players, see different combinations, so it’s a big opportunity and I think it’s also necessary because we have some injuries and, of course, a retired player.
“Keira will be captain tomorrow. Alex (Greenwood) is one of the captains too – she’s in the captains group – but when Leah is not available, Keira is captain.”
goalkeeper hannah hampton Will miss the game with an elbow injury meaning the chance to make his senior debut between the sticks will be handed to Khiara Keating, Anna Moorhouse or Sophie Baggaley.
Wiegman said: “Hannah Hampton is not available for tomorrow. She has a small injury to her elbow. She will be assessed and we’ll see what happens on Tuesday. Sophie Baggaley comes in.
“I have taken the decision, but as always, we have to go through the session and then, of course, I will inform the team first.
“Lote (Vubane-Moy) went home. She was feeling unwell, so she is recuperating at home.”
Defender Lucy Bronze won England’s Player of the Year for 2025 – voted for by fans – ahead of Chloe Kelly and Hampton to claim the award.
The bronze award was presented by Georgia Stanway at St George’s Park and Wiegman praised his consistency and influence on the dressing room.
He further added, “I think her consistency and the way she expresses herself or conducts herself on and off the pitch.
“She’s tough and she’s a huge contributor. She impacts the players’ lives by helping them, supporting them whenever they need something.
“His level on the pitch is very good and that’s why I picked him, but when all these extra things come with it, it really helps the team go forward.”
Manchester City defender Alex Greenwood will return to the place where he plays his home football but this time he will be wearing the colors of his country.
Greenwood – a member of both sides who have won back-to-back Euros – is looking forward to the next challenge.
He added: “It will be good not only for me but for many players in the team. For me personally, going back to the Etihad will be really special and a great opportunity.
“It’s still important that we enjoy what we did in the summer. We don’t just turn up and forget about it.
“In the same breath, we are all focused on the next challenge which is tomorrow and then the next three games.”