Lionesses squad and fitness updates, 'revenge game' for Matildas

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Ella Toone and Sarina Wiegman laugh during an England press conference. — Ella Toone and Sarina Wiegman during a press conference. Image: Lucy Jones

The 2-1 defeat to Brazil saw England Lionesses lose their first match since facing France in the opening match of Euro 2025. It was physicality that ultimately stopped them again, as Brazil started quickly and were anything but friendly.

“I do agree, on Saturday we didn’t start well enough. We had to get more physical. We talked about that — the players felt the same,” Sarina Wiegman told the media as her side hope to get back on track against Australia next.

The Lionesses manager was in positive spirits, having celebrated her birthday on Sunday between busy work days. Wiegman is looking forward to facing Australia.

“Brazil challenged us in ways we haven’t been challenged that much in games. Tomorrow’s game will challenge us in different ways. What we want to get to is when we’re in possession be a bit quicker in our decision-making, do a little bit better in execution technically. In general, that’s what we talked about, that’s what we can take into the game tomorrow.”

England vs Australia team news

Wiegman confirmed updates on her squad ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Australia.

“We have a squad of 25 now. After the match, we had some niggles,” she relayed, before being pushed for specific injury updates.

“They’re not big things to share. They’re football players, there’s always small things. We’re still building some players — Lucy Bronze, Niamh Charles.”

Jess Carter has been removed from the squad with a concussion and replaced with West Ham United defender Anouk Denton. The 22-year-old has progressed well through the England youth pathway, having been handed her first call-up for England U23s in October 2022.

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Wiegman has already had multiple squad changes, with Arsenal defender Lotte Wubben-Moy withdrawn from the squad after feeling unwell. Manchester United’s Jess Park returned to her club medical staff having sustained a delayed concussion following Manchester United’s last BWSL fixture.

However, some good news for fans, Hannah Hampton is expected to return.

Wiegman said: “She is progressing well, has ticked all the boxes so far. Today there’s another training session which she has to come through but things look really good. If things go well, then she will be available tomorrow.”

England prepare to face Australia

England have faced Australia five times previously, running out winners on three occasions, Including the crucial World Cup semi-final that saw the Lionesses knock out the hosts and claim a place in the final. The importance of that wasn’t lost on Toone who scored that day and is looking forward to facing the Matildas again.

“For Australia, we broke a lot of their hearts out there at the World Cup so, for them, it’ll feel like a revenge game. We’re England, we want to win every game.”

Sarina Wiegman smiles during a press conference. Image: Lucy Jones

The match against Australia will be broadcast live on ITV. The match at Pride Park is a sell-out, with 33,500 tickets sold. Wiegman was positive about her European Champions playing a variety of stadiums during this international break.

“It’s really nice, the fans have shown so much support for us. Going around the country gives people a chance to come to our games. We don’t take a sell-out for granted on a Tuesday evening. We appreciate and will enjoy it.”

Coming up next for England Lionesses

After the match against Australia tomorrow night, the Lionesses have a break from international duty and players will return to the league fixtures. WSL matches get back underway the weekend of November 1st and 2nd.