Wiegman relishing England’s World Cup warm-ups against Brazil and Australia

SARINA WIEGMAN is relishing the chance to see England face Australia in one of two highly-anticipated pre-World Cups duels. 

The Lionesses play the Matildas in April as part of a double-header with the Three Lions facing the Socceroos in October. 

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England’s clash with the Matildas, who are skippered by Chelsea striker Sam Kerr, will take place on Tuesday 11 April.

The 7:45 pm match at the home of Brentford will follow a sold-out Finalissima duel at Wembley between the Lionesses and Brazil on Thursday 6 April. 

Both games take place just over three months before this year’s Women’s World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

This 32-team tournament will kick off on July 20 with Kerr’s side taking on the Republic of Ireland. 

Lionesses chief Wiegman, 53, said: “We are always looking for different challenges.

“We are really happy to play two more strong non-European teams in Brazil and Australia in April.

“They will both be competitive at the World Cup, and Australia will give everything to impress because they are going into a home tournament with big expectations. 

“They will want to show they are in good shape for the finals.”

England’s game against Australia is being billed as the Alzheimer’s Society International with the fixture being used to raise funds and awareness for the charity. 

The last clash between the sides was a friendly that ended 1-1 in October 2018.

Fran Kirby gave the Lionesses a first-half lead before Claire Polkinghorne’s late leveller. 

And 13 of England’s Euros-winning squad were part of a Team GB side knocked out by Australia in the quarter-finals of the Tokyo Olympics football tournament in June 2021.  

The side, managed by then interim boss Hege Riise, lost 4-3 with now-retired Lioness Ellen White netting a hat-trick. 

Wiegman, whose team play Belgium on Wednesday, added: “We know Australia have players at the highest level.

“For us it is another opportunity to see where we stand in our preparation for the World Cup.

“It will also be very special to play them at Brentford as it was a great stadium during the Euros.

“We want to create more excitement for our fans as we prepare for what we hope will be another memorable summer.”

Tickets for England Women vs Australia Women are due to go on general sale from 3:00 pm on Wednesday 22 February.

Further details can be found on the FA’s web site.

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