‘Reset’ England look to future in first match of Riise’s reign
Left-back Alex Greenwood says England have “had a reset” after nearly a year since their past international game, as they prepare for a new era starting with today’s friendly against Northern Ireland.
The game at St George’s Park will be England’s first under interim head coach Hege Riise and as many as six uncapped players could make their senior debuts, with Riise selecting a young, relatively inexperienced squad with an eye on the future.
Preparations are focused on this summer’s Olympic Games, with England players expected to make up the vast majority of the 18-player Team GB squad in Tokyo. England are then the hosts of Euro 2022, followed by major tournaments in each of the following three summers too: World Cup 2023, Olympics 2024 and Euro 2025.
As well as having a refreshed squad and a new coach, England will also temporarily have a new captain, with Steph Houghton having gladly offered to pass the armband to midfielder Jill Scott to lead the side for the occasion of Everton loanee Scott’s 150th cap.
Houghton, Scott and Manchester City striker Ellen White are the only members of the squad over the age of 30, and it is the young players who could be the focus of the attention today. “I look at the youngsters now and in the WSL and the girls in the camp and it’s such an exciting time and exciting future for England. There’s some unbelievable talent,” Greenwood said.
“To prepare for a Euros, Olympics and a World Cup in the space of three years, it’s not going to be easy. The pressure of wanting to medal in all of them is something we should embrace and enjoy. It just feels like a reset, a restart, which is perfect. It’s a good time.”
England will face an injury-hit Northern Ireland side who are preparing for a Euro 2022 play-off in April as they seek to reach their first major tournament.
England (probable, 4-2-3-1): Roebuck; Bronze, Houghton, Williamson, Greenwood; Scott, Walsh; Kelly, Nobbs, Hemp; White.
Northern Ireland (probable, 4-2-3-1): Flaherty; Hutton, Nelson, Mccarron, Holloway; Callaghan, Caldwell; Wade, Furness, Wilson; Magill.