England Women manager Sarina Wiegman has expressed excitement ahead of her side's fixture against Ukraine at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium, although she will be monitoring events in Iceland where Spain face the hosts in a simultaneous Women's World Cup qualifier.
Both England and Spain are level on 12 points in European League A Group 3, but Spain's superior head-to-head record leaves England needing a favour from Iceland to avoid the play-offs. A 4-0 defeat to Spain in Majorca on Friday means the Lionesses must win against Ukraine and hope Iceland can secure a result against the world champions.
Wiegman, whose side thrashed Ukraine 6-1 in the reverse fixture in March, is focusing on her team's performance but admitted she harbours hopes of an upset. 'I always hope. Football is unpredictable,' she said. 'We have to win this game, and then we'll see what happens.'
The Dutch coach is thrilled to become the first England team to play at Everton's new 52,769-capacity waterfront stadium. 'Going around the country is really nice, but playing in this new stadium in Liverpool, a football city, is exciting. I'm grateful we can play here,' she added.
Fans arriving early are encouraged to gather at the Western Wharf to welcome the team coaches, with Ukraine expected around 6.20pm and England at 6.30pm. Former Lioness Jill Scott will also arrive on the wharf at 6.10pm after cycling 99 miles as part of a five-day duathlon raising money for Comic Relief. Capacity on the terrace is limited and pyrotechnics are prohibited.
