England Lionesses to face USA, Germany and France in new SheBelieves Cup

ENGLAND WOMEN are set to test themselves against the best in the world.

 

Mark Sampson is taking England to the US in March

 

The Lionesses will face USA, Germany and France - the top three ranked teams - in the new SheBelieves Cup in America in March.

Scheduling means England will not compete in this year's Cyprus Cup but head coach Mark Sampson insists the quality of opposition available in the new tournament will benefit his side.

“We have been working hard now for a number of months to add more matches against top-tier nations so I am very pleased we are taking part in this tournament," Sampson said.

“The opportunity to compete against the three best teams in the world is a crucial step in providing more opportunities for the team to develop.

 

"Women’s soccer in the USA is on a real high since their World Cup success and we are excited to feel that sense of enthusiasm for the game in some wonderful football stadiums.

“We are thankful to the USA for their work in setting up the event which I am sure in years to come will grow into a stand-out tournament in the women’s football calendar.”

The tournament runs from 3-9 March and England will face hosts USA in their opening game on Thursday 3 March at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

They will then travel to Nashville where they take on Germany on Sunday 6 March at the Nissan Stadium.

England’s final game is against France on Wednesday 9 March at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Florida.

England will continue their UEFA Women’s Euro 2017 qualifying campaign in April when they play Belgium at home (8 April) and Bosnia & Herzegovina away (12 April). 

 

Sampson was nominated for Women's Coach of the Year at last night's Ballon d'Or awards