It is very exciting for us to be playing for the first time at Everton's new stadium. We have always said that taking this team around the country is so important and we're really looking forward to playing in front of fans in the north-west. The city of Liverpool has a rich football history with many connections to the Lionesses over the years, so it will be a very special evening.
England have been drawn in a qualifying group alongside 2023 winners Spain - who beat the Lionesses in the final - as well as Ukraine and Iceland. Wiegman will name her squad for the first time in 2026 on Tuesday at 11:00 - who might feature and what are the key decisions for the Dutchwoman? England have not had a competitive fixture since winning Euro 2025 as they beat China 8-0 and Ghana 2-0 in friendly matches at the end of last year.
Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí made history by becoming the first footballer to win the women's Ballon d'Or three times, while England's Lionesses were also recognised at the awards ceremony on Monday (21 September) night. The women's Ballon d'Or, officially known as Ballon d'Or Féminin and held at the Theatre Théâtre du Châtelet, in Paris, recognises the best female footballer of the year, as voted for by a panel of journalists.
England's players are gearing up for the start of a new domestic season after winning Euro 2025. In a summer to remember, the Lionesses beat Spain to win the European Championship for a second time in three years. But where do the Lionesses play their club football? Nineteen of the 23-woman squad are with clubs in England's Women's Super League. Anna Moorhouse, Esme Morgan and Jess Carter play in the United States, while midfielder Georgia Stanway is at Bayern Munich.
Premier League clubs could follow the England Lionesses in stopping taking the knee next season amid growing division among anti-racism campaigners over the merits of the symbolic gesture.
Captain Leah Williamson reportedly said the Lionesses need to take "responsibility" for their performance. "We lost the game with poor defending one-on-one," she added. "Not good enough with the ball, we weren't good enough."
