ENGLAND’S Lionesses hope to return to winning ways when they entertain South Africa at the Coventry Building Society Arena tonight.
Sarina Wiegman’s side suffered a 4-3 defeat against Germany at Wembley on Friday (October 25) as England ramp up their preparations for UEFA Women’s EURO 2025.
England head into next summer’s tournament as defending champions and hope 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations winners South Africa will provide another stern test despite Banyana Banyana losing 5-0 against Denmark last Friday.
Wiegman said: “Being able to take the team across the country is very important to us and we’re pleased to be heading back to Coventry. We have happy memories and I have no doubt the fans will come out in their numbers to support the team, as they always do.”
CBS Arena managing director, Paul Michael, added: “The Lionesses really captured the imagination of the nation when they won the EUROs and the squad will be determined to retain their trophy in Switzerland next year.
“Their friendlies will form an important part of their preparation and we are looking forward to hosting the Lionesses against South Africa.
“This reinforces our reputation for hosting major national and international fixtures in a variety of sports and I’m sure it will be another night to remember at Coventry Building Society Arena.”
The Lionesses beat Italy 2-1 in their last match at the CBS Arena in February last year which attracted a crowd of 32,128 spectators.
That came as part of a double-header in the Arnold Clark Cup and broke the previous record attendance at the Arena for a sporting event.
It was also the biggest ever attendance for a women’s football match in the Midlands.
