England Women to return in Germany friendly seven months after SheBelievesCup campaign

England Women will return to action after seven months with an autumn friendly away against Germany.

The Lionesses last played at the 2020 SheBelievesCup in March, where defeats by hosts the United States and Spain condemned the defending champions to a disappointing third-place finish amid a run of seven losses in 11 matches.

The coronavirus pandemic subsequently led to the postponement of all international football, with England's men set to resume competition with a pair of Uefa Nations League clashes against Iceland and Denmark on September 5 and September 8 respectively.

And the Football Association (FA) announced on Monday that England Women will take part in a week-long training camp at St George's Park between September 15-21, before travelling to face Germany in a midweek friendly contest held behind closed doors at the Brita Arena in Wiesbaden on Tuesday, October 27.

“I know the players are so hungry to pull on an England shirt again and this is a good test to see where we are early in the new season against strong opposition," said head coach Phil Neville.

"Germany away is a tough challenge but we know what we are capable of producing. I’m sure the players are excited about testing themselves against one of the best teams in the world.

“Next year is going to be a vital one for the players ahead of some major international tournaments in quick succession.

"While you can never fully replicate the pressure of a major finals, I know my squad will take a lot from the experience and I am sure the fans will be relishing the chance to see us play again – even if unfortunately it has to be on television.”

The fixture against Germany will form part of England's long build-up to the delayed home 2021 European Championship, which has been pushed back to the summer of 2022 to avoid a clash with the re-arranged men's tournament.

Neville will not lead England into that competition, however, with Sarina Wiegman set to take the managerial reins next September after coaching her native Netherlands at the postponed Tokyo Olympics.

Read more

Future England Women's coach Wiegman insists USA can be beaten

New England Women boss Sarina Wiegman tipped to thrive at home Euros

Sarina Wiegman to replace Phil Neville as Lionesses head coach in 2021