The Football Ferns are looking forward to testing themselves against one of the FIFA Women’s World Cup favourites tomorrow night (NZT) when they take on World No 3 England in Brighton.

More than 20,000 fans are expected for the international friendly at the AMEX Community Stadium as both teams complete their preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup which kicks off six days later on 7 June in Paris.

Ferns Head Coach Tom Sermanni has all 23 players available for selection as they look for their first victory over England.

“This is another great game for us and a team that has the pedigree to potentially win the World Cup so it is the type of game where we are really going to be tested,” he said.  “It will be a good benchmark 11 days out from our first game. Under the circumstances, it is an ideal opponent for us.” 

England, semi-finalists at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015, have shown their quality in 2019. The Phil Neville-coached team started the year in fine fashion when they won the She Believes Cup in America. The Lionesses drew 2-2 with the USA, beat Japan 3-0 and Brazil 2-1 to lift the trophy for the first time.

“They play along the same lines as Australia and the USA so we know it will be a big challenge. The good thing for us going into this game is we have had a little bit of time together. We have had two games and some time on the training field. So hopefully we can go into this game and be competitive.” 

The Ferns come into the game with some confidence after defeating Mexico 2-1 in New York in a behind-closed-doors friendly last week. Sarah Gregorius and Rosie White got on the score-sheet in that win as the team responded to the 5-0 defeat the USA.

“It was important to get that win over Mexico, particularly after the USA game, it really helped the confidence and the morale of the group. Going into this game against England, the team has had a little bit more time together. Hopefully everyone stays healthy.”

Four players – Betsy Hassett, Rebekah Stott, CJ Bott and Vic Esson – all missed the USA game, and Katie Bowen and Abby Erceg were unavailable for the friendly against Mexico due to club commitments.

Sermanni said the team is in good spirits and good health – including Hassett who has recovered well from a broken wrist – as they build up to their goal of making history at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

"We have at last got the full squad together so that helps the energy and the enthusiasm around the group. Things are tracking well at the moment. We have a couple of little knocks here and there but in general everyone is in good health.

“Betsy is going well. She has a very light cast on and was in full training today and she is available to be selected. Barring any accident or injury, she should be ready to go.”

Following huge demand from local football fans keen to see the Lionesses in action before they leave for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, organisers have opened the top tier of AMEX Stadium providing hundreds of extra seats and a huge crowd for the fixture.

“We are expecting a great atmosphere and it will be similar to what we will face in France in relation to the size of the stadium and the size of the crowd. It will give us another benchmark of what we need to do over the next 11 days.”

New Zealand has never beaten England in women’s football. In 2010 they drew 0-0 at the Peace Queen Cup, at the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup they went down 2-1, and in 2013 they lost 3-1 at the Cyprus Cup.

The Football Ferns will face the Netherlands, Canada and Cameroon at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

International Friendly
England v New Zealand
Sunday 1 June, kick-off 1pm (Sunday 2 June 12am, NZT)
AMEX Stadium, Brighton
Live on SKY Sport, ESPN 1
Live updates on Twitter @NZ_Football #ENGvNZL #FootballFerns

New Zealand (from): 1. Erin Nayler, 2. Ria Percival, 3. Anna Green, 4. CJ Bott, 5. Meikayla Moore, 6. Rebekah Stott, 7. Ali Riley (captain), 8. Abby Erceg, 9. Emma Kete, 10. Annalie Longo, 11. Sarah Gregorius, 12. Betsy Hassett, 13. Rosie White, 14. Katie Bowen, 15. Sarah Morton, 16. Katie Duncan, 17. Hannah Wilkinson, 18. Stephanie Skilton, 19. Paige Satchell, 20. Daisy Cleverley, 21. Vic Esson, 22. Olivia Chance, 23. Nadia Olla
Coach Tom Sermanni

Article added: Friday 31 May 2019