Frank Christian
England is wrapping up their preparations for the Women’s Euros with a friendly match against Jamaica at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium this Sunday.
The loss to Spain in the UEFA Nations League on June 3 was disappointing and has raised questions concerning the squad’s capability to defend their title, leaving Sarina Wiegman and her team eager to quell any doubts before heading to Switzerland.
Jamaica enters this match after suffering three consecutive defeats against CONCACAF opponents Mexico and the United States, with a total score of 11-0 across those games. Their last encounter with the USWNT ended without a single shot on target.
The Reggae Girlz are missing several key players for this historic encounter, marking their first match against the Lionesses. The last time England suffered a loss against a team in their debut meeting was in 1984, when they fell 2-0 to Germany.
Lineups and team updates for England vs. Jamaica
It seems likely that Wiegman will field a similar team to that which faced Spain at the beginning of the month. However, if Lauren James proves to be fit, she might replace Jess Park at the number 10 spot.
Hannah Hampton is likely to start as the primary goalkeeper for the tournament, but her position remains uncertain if she doesn’t capitalize on this opportunity. Expect either Khiara Keating or Anna Moorhouse to see some action on Sunday, likely in the second half.
Predicted England lineup (4-2-3-1, formation from right to left): Hampton (GK) — Bronze, Williamson, Greenwood, Charles — Stanway, Walsh — Mead, James, Hemp — Russo
Complete England squad
Goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton, Khiara Keating, Anna Moorhouse
Defenders: Lucy Bronze, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Alex Greenwood, Maya Le Tissier, Esme Morgan, Leah Williamson, Lotte Wubben-Moy
Midfielders: Grace Clinton, Jess Park, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Keira Walsh
Forwards: Michelle Agyemang, Aggie Beever-Jones, Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Chloe Kelly, Beth Mead, Alessia Russo
Head coach Hubert Busby Jr. is facing challenges with the absence of several key players for this friendly, including Manchester City’s Bunny Shaw.
Other notable absences include Liverpool’s Taylor Hinds, Tottenham’s Drew Spence, goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer, and forward Jody Brown from Benfica.
Jamaica’s predicted lineup (4-4-2, formation from right to left): Brooks (GK) — A. Van Zanten, A. Swaby, C. Swaby — Adamolekun, Sampson, Primus, Blades — McKenna, Thomas
Full roster for Jamaica
Goalkeepers: Liya Brooks, Serena Mensah, Aliyah Morgan
Defenders: Allyson Swaby, Naya Cardoza, Chantelle Swaby, Amelia Van Zanten, Nyema Ingleton, Tiffany Cameron
Midfielders: Atlanta Primus, Olufolasade Adamolekun, Vyan Sampson, Jade Mitchell, Jade Bailey
Forwards: Kayla McKenna, Kalyssa Van Zanten, Kameron Simmonds, Reanna Blades, Natasha Thomas, Ricshya Walker.
Projected outcome for England vs. Jamaica
England is keen to finish their preparations for the Euros with a strong performance, and considering the key players Jamaica is missing, the Lionesses are expected to achieve that.
Expected scoreline: England 2-0 Jamaica
Viewing details for England vs. Jamaica: Live stream and broadcast channels
The match will be aired on ITV1 and STV in the UK, with streaming available via ITVX and STV Player.
