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      Arsenal looking for solutions after fixture clash forces move of Women’s Champions League game from Emirates 

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      ARSENAL have been forced to shift their Women’s Champions League battle with Bayern Munich from the Emirates due to a rescheduled Carabao Cup game. Fixture clash issues have left the Gunners seeking new alternatives for the December 18 match with the German giants. Meadow Park is being looked at as a potential alternative for Arsenal’s Women’s Champions League clash with BayernCredit: AlamyIn May Arsenal announced plans to host all its Women’s Champions League home games at the Emirates, should the team progress beyond the contest qualifiers.However they are facing a venue dilemma. Earlier today the EFL confirmed December 18 as the chosen date for their men’s team’s League Cup quarters battle with Crystal Palace. This means the club have the dilemma of looking for a new venue for their clash with Germany’s top-flight leaders. Read More Football StoriesSunSport understands officials are looking into solutions including the possibility of using Meadow Park as an alternative. The stadium, which is home to National League South side Boreham Wood FC, does not meet Uefa Infrastructure Regulations for Women’s Champions League group games.  However it is thought the extenuating circumstances of their match being moved from the Emirates could lead to use of the ground being considered. One Gunners fan group expressed dismay at the match being moved from the Emirates. Most read in FootballThe Arsenal Women’s Supporters Trust stated they were “really disappointed by the change in priorities for this game”. In a post published on the social media platform X they wrote: “It’s been set in stone for a while. “Now shifting the date affects so many people, especially travelling and international Gooners who have already booked flights and hotels.”Arsenal will face Brighton in the WSL on Friday 8 DecemberCredit: GettyAside from their European fixtures Arsenal are hosting all their WSL home games at the Emirates this term. Last May the Gunners drew the largest ever crowd to a women’s club match in England. A crowd of 60,063 attended their Champions League semi-final second leg defeat of Wolfsburg. More

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      Arsenal fixture chaos eased as crunch Carabao Cup quarter-final clash confirmed but women’s fixture moved

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      ARSENAL’S fixture nightmare involving the Carabao Cup quarter-final has been eased after it was announced the game would be played on Wednesday, December 18.The Gunners’ progression into the final eight of the competition – where they drew Crystal Palace at the Emirates – caused a horribly congested schedule in the middle of the month.Mikel Arteta has seen Arsenal’s men handed an eased fixture scheduleCredit: RexThey will face Crystal Palace on Wednesday, December 18Credit: ReutersBut it will force Arsenal Women to have their Champions League game with Bayern Munich moved elsewhereCredit: GettyMikel Arteta’s side were fearing a two-day turnaround with an Arsenal Women’s Champions League clash against Bayern Munich at the Emirates meaning a Wednesday clash was not possible.This would have either led to Crystal Palace being left with a two-day turnaround after playing Brighton on Sunday if the game was played on Tuesday 17 or both sides facing a two-day turnaround before their Premier League clash with the Eagles on Saturday evening if the game was played on Thursday.However, a twist to events has seen Arsenal men given priority to play the fixture at the Emirates on Wednesday.The EFL have confirmed that the fixture will take place at 7.30pm on Wednesday, December 18.READ MORE IN FOOTBAL;A club statement on the matter of the moved women’s game said: “We are liaising with UEFA, and further details regarding our UEFA Women’s Champions League match against Bayern Munich will be announced in due course.”Arsenal Women normally play all of their European home games and eight of their 11 home games in the Women’s Super League at the Emirates.Tickets for the Bayern game have been on sale since September 28.But Boreham Wood’s Meadow Park, where the women’s team play the rest of their home games, does not meet Uefa stadium regulations.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSunSport understands that a new venue, rather than a new date, is being targeted for Arsenal on the moved fixture.Fans of the women’s team were furious with the announcement and the priority given to the men’s team over the women’s.Huge Arsenal boost as Martin Odegaard returns to training ahead of Inter Milan clash Taking to social media, the Arsenal Women Supporters Club said: “Really disappointed by the change in priorities for this game. “It’s been set in stone for a while, and now shifting the date affects so many people, especially traveling and international Gooners who have already booked flights and hotels.”A second fan said: “Not that the women’s team didn’t already have a champions league game being played here the same night that fans have already booked tickets, days off work, travel and hotels for or anything… Do better Arsenal.”A third said: “This is ludicrous.”Carabao Cup quarter-final in fullQuarter-final fixture dates and times confirmed:Arsenal v Crystal Palace – December 18, 7.30pmNewcastle v Brentford – December 18, 7.45pmSouthampton v Liverpool – December 18, 8pmTottenham v Manchester United – December 19, 8pmAnother said: “Really disappointing that the women’s game against Bayern has been shifted for this.”A fifth added: “A UEFA game is surely more important than an EFL game, no matter whether it’s the men’s or women’s team?”Arsenal men’s clash with Crystal Palace will be the early kick-off that evening.It will be shown on Sky Sports football.Newcastle’s clash with Brentford will commence at 7.45pm on Wednesday and will not appear on live TV, but rather Sky Sports+.Southampton against Liverpool will start at 8pm that day and be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Tottenham’s clash against Manchester United will take place on Thursday, December 19 at 8pm.It will be aired on live TV with Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.Arsenal and Edu resignation statement in fullEdu Gaspar has today resigned from his position as our Sporting Director.Edu, our former player and Invincible, re-joined us in the role of Technical Director in July 2019. He progressed through the club and was promoted to Sporting Director in November 2022, where he oversaw men’s, women’s and academy football.   We thank Edu for the part he has played in our renewed football strategy and driving the club forward with the values of Arsenal in his heart. Edu said: “This was an incredibly hard decision to make.”Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history. It has been a special journey and I thank Stan, Josh, Tim and Lord Harris for the support they’ve given me.  “I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend. “Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”Our Co-Chair, Josh Kroenke, added: “We respect Edu’s decision and thank him for his immense contribution and dedication to drive the club forward.  “Everyone at the club wishes him well. We are all so fond of him and the positive energy he brings to everything and everyone.  “Change and evolution is a part of our club.  We remain focused on our strategy and winning major trophies. Our succession plan will reflect this continued ambition.” More

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      Mary Phillip reflects on hall of fame tribute and Peckham Town’s battle for floodlights and promotion 

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      MARY PHILLIP is used to blazing a trail of football firsts having done so in the past with England.The former Lioness and Arsenal centre-back’s achievements led to her entry into the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame.Mary Phillip hopes her football journey will inspire more girls to take up the sportCredit: National Football MuseumPhillips was capped 65 times during an England career that included her becoming the first Black player to skipper the Lionesses’ senior teamCredit: AlamyPhillips, who is the manager of non-league men’s side Peckham Town FC, hopes to see more women get into coachingCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskNow the first Black player to ever captain a senior Lionesses side wants to fulfil an ambition held by a London-based non-league men’s side. That is having floodlights installed on the Dulwich Common pitch used by Peckham Town FC, a team Phillip, 47, has managed since 2019.The challenge that has seen them miss out on promotion from the division they compete in within step seven of the National League system. It is one Phillip hopes the club can overcome by gaining permission from Southwark Council to have the lights installed. Read More Football StoriesPhillip said: “For the past eight years we’ve been denied going up because we don’t have the floodlights available within our area. “Putting floodlights up at the common would be fantastic for the club. “And not just the club but the community as a whole. “To have lights that would just shine on the football pitch we use and not affect the houses around us, would be key going forward. Most read in Football”If we can get permission to do that and finish within the top five of our league and apply for promotion, that would be amazing. “Hopefully, within the next five years we can get this in place and push ourselves up the league.”Four years ago, Peckham-born Phillip became the first female manager to steer a men’s side to cup success in England, taking Peckham Town to a London FA Senior Cup triumph.During her 19-year club career which started at Millwall Lionesses aged 12 before she joined Fulham as a pro in 2000, she won 19 major trophies and three Community Shields. When my granddaughter grows up she will see not just other women who made history in football but also that her grandmother has been a part of thatMary PhillipSome of Phillip’s biggest successes were with Arsenal, where she played from 2004-2008 making 135 appearances.The mum-of-four and grandmother helped them make history in 2007 when they became the first English side to win a Women’s Champions League trophy under Vic Akers. Phillip, who earned 65 England caps, adds: “As a young girl, I didn’t see that many women playing football. “When my granddaughter grows up she will see not just other women who made history in football but also that her grandmother has been a part of that. “She can imagine, ‘I can do this. It’s in my blood’. It’s important for people to see that and think they can do this.Phillip competed in England’s first Fifa Women’s World Cup 29 years ago And in 2007 she helped a side then managed by Hope Powell to reach the tournament’s last eight.It’s among the many successes that has seen her join Powell in being celebrated by the National Football Museum. She received: “I was looking (at the message) I received which mentioned the Hall of Fame, and then it dawned on me that it’s the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame. “It’s amazing because so many players have been put in there. “To be a part of this with people like Hope is a great achievement and I’m proud.”Phillip’s induction took place four days after the Government’s relaunch of the Football Governance Bill.The amended Bill includes a push for clubs to provide better transparency around their efforts to meet equality, diversity and inclusion standards. Phillip hopes this is something that will lead to more women building careers in the game including coaching. She adds: “If it’s on equal terms, it’s then for someone to be open enough to say, ‘this woman has the exact same qualities and qualifications, I’m going to go for her and see how it works out’. “I’ve been given that opportunity at Peckham Town. Bryan Hall (the club’s founder) said he wanted a coach in. “He let me come in and do my (Uefa) A licence with the boys there.”He could see that it was working and the guys were relating pretty well to it.“To have someone willing to give me that opportunity was a key factor for me.”Back when Phillip was part of an England squad that competed in the Women’s World Cup in 1995, five of their players were of Black and mixed raced heritage. The former centre-back hopes to see more talents from minority ethnic backgrounds breaking into the Lionesses side with just two –  Lauren James and Jess Carter – playing at last summer’s World Cup. Phillip said: “When I was playing for England the team had broader diversity. Phillip hopes to see more talented Black players, like Tottenham’s Jess Naz, break into England’s senior sideCredit: PA”At the senior England level the manager is mostly going to look at players in the WSL and other top-flights. READ MORE SUN STORIES”So unless you get more homegrown players (from minority ethnic backgrounds) coming through in the WSL and other top leagues, you are not going to see that representation in the senior team. “But there has been a little shift in there and it’s slowly changing.” More

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      ‘Our aim is to challenge to try to win the WSL’, says Manchester United Women’s boss Marc Skinner

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      WHILE  Manchester United have parted company with two senior men’s team bosses in the last three years, one Red Devils gaffer is set to reach a new milestone. Today against Arsenal Marc Skinner will oversee his hundredth game at the helm of their Women’s Super League side. Man United are currently unbeaten having registered four wins and a draw from their first five WSL games this termCredit: GettyMarc Skinner hopes to guide his side to victory on his 100th game in charge of the Red Devils’ WSL teamCredit: AlamyIt is the first time in a top-flight coaching career, that began at Birmingham City in 2015, that Skinner has reached this mark across all contests at one club. And the head coach has another target in his sights – a first WSL title win for the club. Skinner, 41, who was appointed in July 2021, said: “There’s been lots of ups and downs as a manager reaching 100 games here. “It’s the first club I’ve achieved this for and I’m really proud. I want to be successful and be here for another hundred games.Read More Football Stories”Regardless that it’s a great milestone, we’ve got to try and win this game. “We’ve got to win trophies and keep progressing this team and that’s what I’m here to do. “I’ve got to make sure I maintain focus on every single game and see where we go. “Our aim is to be challenging to try and win the WSL. Most read in Football”But we also have to understand the competition we’re up against and that it’s not a give-me.”In May Man United made history under Skinner winning the Women’s FA Cup for the first time following a 4-0 defeat of Tottenham. The Red Devils boss also faced criticism at times from some supporters following losses to Liverpool and Chelsea preceding a fifth-place finish last term. This season his side have got off to a flying start and are currently third and three points off leaders Man City with a game in hand. Along with Chelsea and the Cityzens, they are the only top-flight side yet to lose a league game this term. So far they have been defensively solid, conceding just once in four WSL games this term with Phallon Tullis-Joyce impressing in goal. However today’s game will see the American shot stopper come up against a side in the top five for the first time this term. Skinner adds: “We’re looking to test ourselves. It’s a big test on game five, so we’ll see where we’re at”.Arsenal’s visit comes after their return to winning ways before the international break under interim boss Renee Slegers.One win from their first four WSL games was among the results that led to former boss Jonas Eidevall resigning on October 15.However, Slegers, 35, has backed the Gunners to remain on track following their 2-0 win against West Ham last month. Arsenal’s stand-in gaffer said: “I can imagine how you can look at it from the outside. “We know what’s happening on the inside and we’ve seen a lot of positive things”We’re very positive about what’s ahead of us, but we know a lot of hard work and ownership is going to be needed.”Slegers hopes to help Arsenal remain unbeaten since the team picked up two wins in the WSL and Champions League before the October international breakCredit: GettyDespite their mixed results in the league Skinner believes Arsenal will be a threatREAD MORE SUN STORIESHe adds: “We’re going to face a team that could either be wounded and really want to show that or hopefully a team we can take advantage of. “But they’re a fantastic team and one that will be difficult to play against.” More

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      EFL’s first ever female manager lasted just two weeks, but women will take charge sooner or later

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      NO ONE is suggesting that a woman should be appointed manager of Manchester United, or any other leading football club, right now.But it could happen when a candidate is so successful in the women’s game that her skills fit perfectly for the job.Karren Brady says female managers will be a thing in the futureCredit: PAHannah Dingley was briefly in charge of Forest Green RoversCredit: PAMale prejudice appears to be a football’s castle wall to us and I found that climbing it was a little tricky when I was appointed managing director of Birmingham City over 30 years ago.Cheeky players made comments at first and there was an incident of entry to “men only” boardrooms. Not any more. With the barriers breached, more women moved into executive positions. Now a mix of sexes is commonplace.But the possibility of a woman managing a Premier League or EFL team is still regarded by many men as an insult, a slap in the face with a wet apron.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEmma Hayes capturing the Ballon d’Or this week for leading the USA to the Olympic gold medal reminds me that the day a woman leads a men’s team is closer than ever though.Hayes, at Chelsea, won the WSL title five times while Sarina  Wiegman, with England, won the Euros and finished World Cup runner-up.Similar triumphs in the men’s game would have won a knighthood.So why wouldn’t a club take on a manager with this record,  regardless of their gender?Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSI’ll tell you why. Because they are scared of being laughed at, or  assume men won’t listen to a woman. Forest Green Rovers briefly appointed Hannah Dingley as interim first-team coach last year.Amorim confirmed by Man Utd but it’s a huge gamble and delay to start is bizarreIt certainly wasn’t bigger news than Nancy Astor becoming the first woman to take her seat as an MP.And while Astor remained in Parliament for 26 years, Dingley lasted two weeks.It was still a tiny brick removed from the battlements but any pioneering woman will need the strongest support from her chairman and board.No player wants to work with a manager, female or male, who does not have tactical know-how, game strategy, leadership and decision-making skills, communication skills, modern training techniques, people skills, data analysis and a long-term vision.My guess is rebellion would evaporate as players realised the manager knew her business in all these areas.As for supporters, a few quick wins and they wouldn’t much care if Liz Truss were in charge.It will happen one day because women will make it do so. Astor has been the touchstone for 263 (40 per cent) of women to win seats in July’s election.There is no proof men are better team leaders or managers than women.Results in industry, education and politics are at least the equals of men and in school exams a good deal superior.READ MORE SUN STORIESSo, the day a woman leads a men’s team might be closer than ever.Until then, we’ll keep cheering as the women’s game grows — bringing the passion, skill and tactical brilliance the men’s leagues could learn a thing or two from.Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for. More

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      Football chiefs target second trophy triumph for Lionesses as part of new women’s game strategy

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      THE FA says a second major trophy win for the Lionesses is one of the top targets of its new women’s and girls’ game strategy. The four-year plan, announced today, comes just over two years on from England’s historic Euros triumph. The FA says helping England win a second major trophy as one of four strategic priorities in its new plans for the women’s gameCredit: ReutersFootball chiefs also hope help Lionesses youth teams succeed in international competition finalsCredit: GettyNext summer Sarina Wiegman’s players, who became the first England side to reach a Women’s World Cup final last year, will begin their quest to be crowned Euros champions once again. The Lionesses are one of nine sides who have automatically qualified for next year’s contest in Switzerland which starts on July 2. As part of its ‘Reaching Higher strategy’ the FA outlined achieving another major tournament triumph as one of four strategic priorities. Football chiefs also hope England can achieve World Cup glory in Brazil in 2027 after falling to a narrow 1-0 final loss to Spain in the last tournament in Australia last summer. Read More Football Stories And senior officials in the governing body insist meticulous preparations are being made to support the endeavours of Wiegman’s side. Kay Cossington, FA Women’s technical director said: “We talk about the top end of this. “We talk about how to look at the next four years for our senior team.”For 2025 with the Euros and for 2027 in preparation for the World Cup, our planning is absolutely meticulous.Most read in Football“It’s about understanding and recognising, for us in tournament football when we’re preparing for European Championships and World Cups, what’s really important. “What are the bits that we’re going to go after, and how do we effectively prepare putting 23 players in a squad in a tournament to perform.”That’s our job as a collective system. “How can we help players and staff to perform under the greatest amounts of pressure?”We have to be really, really clear and super explicit about what we do and what we don’t do, what’s going to make the boat go fast and what’s going to sink the boat, “Also the bits in between are what often cause the most amount of noise, the most amount of stress and sleepless nights.”The release of the FA’s new strategy comes hours ahead of the young Lionesses battling Spain for a place in semi-finals Women’s Under-17 World Cup in the Dominican Republic.The match is due to be streamed live on BBC iPlayer and Fifa+ from 10:45pm this evening. The winners of the clash, which commences at 11:00pm UK time, at the Felix Sanchez Stadium in Santo Domingo, will face North Korea this Sunday. And Cossington says the FA’s aim is to continue developing its “playing, coaching and operating curriculum” to support young players rising through the ranks to be able to perform on the biggest internationals stages. She adds: “Our blueprint for success is what we call a playing, coaching and operating curriculum on how we want to do things across all of our age groups. The FA says it wants to help prepare Lionesses coming through the ranks to be able to perform under pressure in a senior gameCredit: Getty”This is so that systematically, we are developing players’ readiness to be able to cope under the greatest amount of pressure in a senior team game.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Many of the senior Lionesses talk about the importance of tournament finals. “For the next four years for us, it’s important that we regularly get our teams to tournament finals.” More

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      Georgia Stanway wants England to take their game ‘to the next level’ following tough loss to Germany

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      GEORGIA STANWAY insists England need to step up their game following their heaviest loss under Sarina Wiegman.While the midfielder netted twice the Lionesses succumbed to a 4-3  friendly defeat to Germany on Friday, nine months before the 2025 Women’s Euros. Georgia Stanway believes tweaks may be needed for England following ahead of their upcoming friendly game against South AfricaCredit: PAThe Lioness midfielder netted two first-half goals during England’s 4-3 loss to Germany at WembleyCredit: AlamyThree of the goals conceded at Wembley during a tough opening 29 minutes were scored by two of Stanway’s Bayern team-mates – Guilia Gwinn and Klara Buhl.The clash ended with the reigning Euros champs, who face South Africa next, shipping four for the first time under Wiegman. It was also the first time England conceded four times at home since falling to a 6-4 defeat by Germany in Preston in 1997.Stanway, who scored a first-half brace, said: “My initial reaction was we just need to fix this and it doesn’t matter who was to score or what was going to happen.Read More Football Stories”Two Bayern girls had scored so I thought I needed to do something. “I need to fix something. I can’t have them bragging as soon as we get back to campus. “As soon as we got the penalty, we got the ball rolling and we were able to get some more chances. “It was a hectic game. Even coming in at half time with the score, it could have been 4-4.Most read in Football”Every nation is going to get better and better and having won the Euros, we’ve got a massive target on our backs.”England’s next friendly will be a duel with South Africa at Coventry’s CBS Arena on Tuesday evening. Their upcoming opponents suffered a hefty friendly loss on Friday, getting hammered 5-0 by Denmark. Stanway insists England have got things to learn ahead of the game against the 2022 Women’s Afcon champions. And Wiegman’s side will face far sterner tests when take on the USA and Switzerland on November 30 and December 3. The midfielder, who sealed a May 2022 Bayern switch from Man City, added: “We need to take our game to the next level and we can’t rest. “This international camp so far has been intense and the game itself (on Friday) was intense. “It showcases we’re not there yet and we’ve still got nine months (before the next Euros). England’s clash with South Africa on October will be followed by a friendly game against Emma Hayes’s USA stars on November 30Credit: Alamy”The main thing is that we’re trying to do the right things, but it’s not necessarily working.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Maybe it’s the little tweaks that are necessary, but we’ll review it. “We’ll have a few days to prepare for South Africa.” More

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      England boss Wiegman ready for a ‘physical and powerful test’ from Euros rivals Germany 

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      SARINA WIEGMAN wants England to avoid getting swept up in Euros glory nostalgia, when they face Germany for the first time since the 2022 final. This evening her Lionesses return to Wembley for a friendly against the side they beat to become European Champions. England hope to register a third match win against Germany under head coach Sarina WiegmanCredit: GettyThe Lionesses will play South Africa at the CBS Arena in their second friendly fixture this monthCredit: GettyBoth teams, who have qualified for next Euros and are ranked among the world’s top four sides, have undergone some changes since that 2-1 victory for Wiegman’s players. Aston Villa skipper Rachel Daly called time on her international career in April. The 84-capped Leeds-born striker, 32, who won the WSL’s Golden boot in the 2022-23 season, started in every single game for England at the last Euros. Meanwhile Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, 56, who guided Germany to the final, left her job as head coach by mutual consent last November. Read More Football StoriesHer departure followed their  shock exit from the Women’s World Cup group stage last July.The team will also be without the services of long-serving striker Alexandra Popp for tonight’s game which kicks off at 7:30pm,The prolific forward, who has scored 66 international goals, will play her 145th and final game for her country next month when they face Austria. And while Wiegman sees England’s Euros win against Voss-Tecklenburg’s former side as a moment to cherish, her sole focus is on preparation for next year’s contest. Most read in FootballThe Lionesses chief said: “It was one of the biggest moments of my career and of my life. We will always cherish that.”But moving forward it’s a totally different Germany team and we are a different team because we’ve moved on too. “It’s the start of [going into] the next Euros, next summer.”We always want to go faster but I think the game has increased, the level of the leagues in international football has increased and developed. “That’s what we want so that means we have to develop too.”England’s results have at times been mixed since reaching last year’s World Cup final in August where they were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Spain. Three of the six qualifiers that saw them secure their spot at next year’s Euros resulted in two draws and one defeat in addition to three wins. Wiegman expects to face a powerful and physical test from Germany who are now managed by head coach Christian Wuck. They have won four of their last six competitive games. She adds: “Germany have always been a powerful team, very physical and one that wants to play a possession game, but doesn’t hesitate to play long balls either”They have a new coach now, so they will probably do some other things too and that’s a challenge for us but a nice one.”Tonight’s game could see Wiegman contend with a central defender selection headache. While Leah Williamson missed Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat of West Ham last Sunday with her club wanting to manage her load, the England skipper is in the running to start for the Lionesses. Her fellow centre-backs Millie Bright, Alex Greenwood and Jesse Carter are all in solid form for their clubs Chelsea, Man City and Gotham FC.Wiegman said: “That is absolutely a headache because they’re all really good and really competing for minutes. “But these are absolutely the headaches I want to have and it’s a hard decision to make.”England’s first friendly fixture this season in the run-up to next year’s Euros follows a mixed start to the season for Williamson’s club side who are currently fifth in the WSL. The Gunners are currently on the hunt for a new women’s head coach following Jonas Eidevall resigning earlier this month. His departure followed the team picking up one win from their first four WSL games this term and suffering a 5-2 loss to Bayern Munich in their Champions League group stager opener And former Man City Women’s boss Nick Cushing has reportedly been linked with the vacant role. When ask if her confidence, ahead of England’s upcoming games, had been affected by Arsenal’s recent results, Lionesses skipper Williamson said: “There’s no difference in the confidence levels. “We are all footballers and deal with different scenarios. “Now we are here with England and it has been a consistent environment, at least for the last couple of years, so now we’re back and it’s nice.“It’s been a different start to the season. Leah Williamson insists her is on Euros preparationCredit: Getty“Results tell a story but I think (from) the work that I’ve seen going on, especially from my club and I can only speak for that. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But you can see again that the level of the whole world of football has gone up and everyone is enjoying that challenge.  “It’s a Euros year now. Everyone is focused.” More