England women\u2019s team are set to play their first match in almost a year when they face Northern Ireland in a friendly on February 23.<\/p>\n
The match will take place at St. George\u2019s Park and is set to be Hege Riise<\/a>\u2019s first game as caretaker manager following her appointment on January 19.<\/p>\n The legendary former Norway international will be assisted by ex-Canada defender Rhian Wilkinson<\/a> in the first of two scheduled friendly games.<\/p>\n It will be the Lionesses\u2019 first fixture since a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the SheBelieves Cup on March 11 2020<\/a>, which turned out to be Phil Neville<\/a>\u2019s last match in charge of the side.<\/p>\n The game is going to be shown live on television in the United Kingdom on the BBC<\/a>, in what is the first meeting between the two nations since a European Championships qualifier in 2008, when goals from Fara Williams<\/a> and Faye White gave England a 2-0 victory.<\/p>\n The match signals the start of England\u2019s build-up to the postponed Women\u2019s European Championships next year \u2013 a competition they have automatically qualified for as hosts of the tournament.<\/p>\n Northern Ireland are still in contention of claiming a spot in next year\u2019s finals and need to overcome a two-legged play-off to secure qualification.<\/p>\n The Lionesses are currently ranked sixth in the FIFA Women\u2019s Rankings, while Northern Ireland are listed in 49th.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, England will also host Canada in another friendly on April 23, with a kick-off time and venue yet to be confirmed.<\/p>\n Sarina Wiegman will take up the role as permanent head coach of England in September, after beating off considerable interest in the job.<\/a><\/p>\n Main Photo<\/p>\nThe Start of England\u2019s Build-up to the European Championships Next Year<\/h3>\n
England to Also Face Canada<\/h3>\n