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Australia friendly like ‘revenge’ for them – England’s Ella Toone

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England’s defeat by Brazil kickstarted the first of four friendly matches which are forming a “homecoming series” to celebrate their Euro 2025 victory.

Several key players are missing from the squad through injury, including captain Leah Williamson, forwards Lauren Hemp and Lauren James, and midfielders Jess Park and Grace Clinton.

However, there could be a boost for Wiegman with goalkeeper Hannah Hampton set to return after missing Saturday’s defeat with a minor elbow injury.

West Ham defender Anouk Denton has also been called up to the squad to provide extra cover as players return to full fitness and manage knocks.

Of Hampton, Wiegman said: “She’s good and she’s progressing really well. She has ticked all the boxes so far. There is another training session to come through but things look really good.

“We have all seen what she can bring. She is a good goalkeeper. The first task for any goalkeeper is to stop the ball going in the net, together with the team.

“But she is also very good with her feet and that long-distance kick she has. That is really her super-strength.”

England have conceded first in their last four games but Wiegman said her side have not been guilty of”starting slowly despite finding themselves behind.

“Against Spain [in the Euros final] we started well and could have been 1-0 up. The Italy [semi-final] we could have scored one goal,” she said.

“Against Sweden we didn’t start well and then against France we started well. So I don’t agree that we have slow starts but I do agree, that on Saturday we didn’t start well enough and needed to be more physical.

“We will definitely do everything we can to start better on Tuesday.”

England’s game against Australia will be in front of a sell-out crowd at Pride Park (19:00 GMT).

The attendance at Etihad Stadium against Brazil was 37,460 after the Football Association said before the match that over 43,000 tickets had been issued. For Saturday’s game, a Premier League game in the same city clashed with the kick-off time.

“I think it’s really nice,” Wiegman said of Tuesday’s match being so well supported.

“The fans have shown so much support for us here in England but also in Switzerland for the Euros,” said Wiegman.

“It really helps us and it’s one of the reasons why we go around the country. Now it’s sold-out and that’s incredible. We never take that for granted.

“It’s also on a Tuesday evening. There will be great support again. We really appreciate it and enjoy it. We try to connect with our fans all the time.”

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