The Finalissima is a football match between the winners of South American and European Championships. This Thursday, Wembley is hosting the first Women's Finalissima between England and Brazil, to decide who is the best country between the two best footballing continents.
The two countries have the opportunity to bring home the trophy before the World Cup in the Summer however, England could have a huge advantage as they are playing on their own soil at Wembley. This iconic stadium is where they won the 2022 Euro Championships against Germany last summer, with Chloe Kelly sealing the win for the Lionesses.
The England Squad for The Finalissima
Goalkeepers: Mary Earps, Hannah Hampton, Sandy Maclver, Ellie Roebuck
Defenders: Lucy Bronze, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Alex Greenwood, Maya Le Tissier, Esme Morgan, Lucy Parker, Leah Williamson, Lotte Wubben-Moy
Midfielders: Laura Coombs, Jordan Nobbs, Jessica Park, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Keira Walsh
Forwards: Rachel Daly, Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Chloe Kelly, Katie Robinson, Alessia Russo
The England Squad for The Finalissima is vastly different to The Euro 2022 squad due to players retirements and injuries.
Jordan Nobbs sadly missed out of the Euro 2022 call-up due to an ACL injury she picked up against a 7-0 victory over Aston Villa. However, she makes her return to the England Squad for The Finalissima following her impressive spell at Aston Villa. She has scored 6 goals in 16 matches so far in the FA Women's Super League 2022/2023 season, which has resulted in her getting the call-up by Sarina Wiegman.
Two new England call-ups are Jessica Park and Lucy Parker. Jessica Park is a young English talent. The 21-year-old who is currently on loan at Everton has been shining for The Toffee's and already has 3 caps for England. She was nominated for January player of the month after bagging 1 goal and 1 assist in 2 matches and has much potential for The Lionesses. Furthermore, Lucy Parker is a 24-year-old defender for West Ham United. She hs played for England under 17's and under 21's, however does not have a senior team cap yet. The Finalissima could be the first time she plays in an England shirt for the senior tam.
There was an ongoing discussion on whether Beth Mead was able to make her return to the England Squad before the World Cup in July, as she had to undergo surgery for an ACL injury she picked up last year. Sarina Wiegman is positive her rehab will be over in time for the World Cup, however her fitness is still uncertain. She did not manage to make The Finalissima squad.
One final player who has got her England call up for The Finalissima is Niamh Charles. Niamh Charles missed out on the Euro 2022 squad, however she has recently been performing week in, week out for Chelsea being a vital member of Chelsea's backline. Her teammate, Millie Bright, got injured in the Champions league quarter final, first leg and has sadly missed out on a spot in The Finalissima squad. This provides Niamh a chance to get her seventh senior international cap on Thursday night.
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