ELL & BACK
Lionesses record-scorer White returns to training after Covid... just at right time for Euro bid
ELLEN WHITE was back in England training yesterday in perfect time – with the Euros just a week away.
White, the Lionesses’ 50-goal record scorer, missed last Friday’s 5-1 victory over the Netherlands at Elland Road having tested positive for coronavirus.
The Manchester City striker made the trip to Switzerland where England play in Zurich tonight in their final warm-up match before opening the tournament against Austria at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
England boss Sarina Wiegman said: “She’s good. It took a while, so we’re glad she’s back, she’s very happy too. Hopefully we can build her up again and get her ready for the Euros.
“Maybe one or two days she took it easy, and then she could train by herself, she got a programme. She’s in shape.”
Asked if White, 33, would be able to play tonight, Wiegman said: “I don’t know yet. Let’s first see how she is on the training pitch. She hasn’t been in training for a week now, so we don’t take any risks.”
Lucy Bronze will sit out the game after feeling unwell – the FA said she was returning to England as a precautionary measure, adding:
“The defender has tested negative for Covid and will continue to be monitored by medical staff in the coming days.”
England beat Belgium 3-0 at Molineux before last week thumping the Netherlands, who Wiegman guided to glory at the last Euros in 2017.
Dutchwoman Wiegman said: “There has been some research from other tournaments that when you go away and come back, that helps.
“We’ve been at St George’s Park for a while
– very good pitch, we were treated very well.
“But then it’s good to get in another environment, come here, get some freshness, have a good game tomorrow and then come back and get really ready and into the atmosphere of the Euros.
“We’re in a very good place, and just have to show good football and do our best. We know we can make an impact in England, we can give England’s football a big boost, and that is what we really want to do.”
In the defeat of the Dutch, England trailed 1-0 before hitting back, with four of their goals coming in a second half that saw substitutes make a significant impact, and skipper Leah Williamson back in defence after starting the game in midfield.
“You see that we’re still building,” added Wiegman (left). “We have so many options in this team, because the depth in the squad is good.
“Williamson felt a little uncomfortable in midfield and was more comfortable at the back.
“But we have those options and it’s OK. For Arsenal, she plays at the back a lot, and is a very
good midfielder too.”