Four of the world’s top 10 teams meet in the Arnold Clark Cup
Four of the world’s top 10 teams meet in the Arnold Clark Cup
England kick off their Arnold Clark Cup campaign against Canada next week.
The sides meet on Thursday 17th February at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough.
The match kicks off at 7.30pm and will be shown live on ITV and ITV Hub.
ITV’s coverage will be presented by Laura Woods and feature punditry from guests Ian Wright and Eni Aluko, with commentary from Seb Hutchinson and co-commentator Emma Hayes.
The new international women’s football tournament also includes Germany and Spain, with the four nations facing off in a round-robin-style tournament.
England have lost three of their last four matches with Canada, but Lioness striker Fran Kirby is looking forward to going up against the reigning Olympic champions.
Kirby said: ‘As a team, you want to test yourself against the best and win trophies, and that’s our clear goal for the tournament.
‘We’re buzzing to take on three of the world’s best sides at home. Canada are reigning Olympic Champions, Spain this year had more Ballon d’Or nominees than any other country, and obviously it doesn’t get much bigger than England vs Germany.
‘It’s a special opportunity to play world-class opposition in front of our supporters, so we’ll be determined to be firing on all cylinders.’
After facing Canada, England will take on Spain at Carrow Road on Sunday 23rd February before heading to Wolves’ Molineux Stadium three days later for a final group match with Germany.
England Women's senior head coach Sarina Wiegman has named a 24-player squad, which includes fit-again Manchester City duo Ellie Roebuck and Lucy Bronze.
And Wiegman believes the Arnold Clark Cup will provide the perfect opportunity for her side to impress ahead of the Euros.
She said: “I'm looking forward to playing against three world-class teams. It will be the perfect way to begin a big year, and we will get a lot of important information from training and the matches ahead of the Euros.
“The rhythm of three games in ten days will also help us, offering more opportunity for rotation, to understand more about our squad and the way we want to play. I know the players will be excited to test themselves against strong opponents.
"This tournament can only help us on our way to being ready for the opening match of the EUROs. That is what we are all working towards. It will also be special to go to three top stadiums in different parts of the country and I am sure the fans will give us great support once again."
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