Tuesday 05 February 2019, 11:34

England announce 'Road to France Series'

  • England to face Canada, Spain, Denmark and New Zealand

  • Four friendlies to take place at four different venues in England

  • Lionesses preparing for Women's World Cup opener against Scotland on 9 June

England's Lionesses have announced four friendly tests on home soil before heading out to the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019™. They will tour the country to face diverse opposition from three different continents, as Phil Neville's charges gear up for the global finals.

Canada, Spain and New Zealand represent teams that are undertaking their own preparations for France 2019, while Denmark - finalists at the UEFA Women's EURO 2017 - narrowly missed out on a spot at the Women's World Cup and will represent stern opposition.

OpponentDateKO timeVenue
CanadaFriday 5 April19:00 localAcademy Stadium, Manchester City
SpainTuesday 9 April19:00 localThe Energy Check County Ground, Swindon Town FC
DenmarkSaturday 25 May13:00 localBanks's Stadium, Walsall FC
New ZealandSaturday 1 June13:00 localAmerican Express Community Stadium, Brighton and Hove Albion FC

The four friendlies on home soil will come after England take part in the 2019 edition of the SheBelieves Cup, where they will face some of the world's best at the end of February and into early March. Brazil, USA and Japan will be their opponents in the friendly tournament taking place in Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Florida in the United States.

"The World Cup is firmly in sight now and I’m really happy with this group of fixtures to complement the games that we have played in recent months plus the ones to come at SheBelieves," said England coach Phil Neville. "It’s great that we can visit four different parts of the country and I have no doubt the players will get fantastic support as ever.

“We have already played Australia and Sweden in our last two matches in 2018 and being up against three more fellow finalists and the last EURO runners-up is just what we need. We will certainly hit the ground running when we get to France. This is a huge year for my players and staff, and we are raring to go. We are going to France with the aim of making the country proud."

England are in Group D at France 2019, and will face Scotland, Argentina and Japan.