5 key talking points as England bring 2024 to a close with Switzerland friendly

The Lionesses drew 0-0 with world number one the United States at the weekend.

Published 3 hours ago

England bring their 2024 programme to a close with Tuesday night’s friendly against Switzerland at Bramall Lane.

Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses, who drew 0-0 with the United States at Wembley on Saturday, will have a last chance to prepare for next year’s competitive fixtures against the Euro 2025 finals hosts.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of the talking points surrounding the game.

Going out with a bang

England head coach Sarina Wiegman and United States counterpart Emma Hayes (right) during the 0-0 friendly draw at Wembley — England boss Sarina Wiegman (centre) is looking for a more expansive approach against Switzerland (Zac Goodwin/PA)

No pain, no gain

England's Leah Williamson during the friendly draw with the United States — Skipper Leah Williamson admitted the last two England camps had been “uncomfortable” (John Walton/PA)

Debut day?

England's Ruby Mace (left) and Jessica Park (right) during a training session at St George’s Park — Ruby Mace (left) could make her senior England debut against Switzerland (Jacob King/PA)

Steel City memories

England’s Alessia Russo (second left) celebrates with her team-mates after scoring their side’s third goal in the Euro 2022 semi-final victory over Sweden — Alessia Russo (second left) scored an audacious back-heeled shot during England’s 4-0 Euro 2022 semi-final win over Sweden (Danny Lawson/PA)

Swiss role

Switzerland arrived in England on the back of a bruising 6-0 friendly defeat by Germany in Zurich on Friday evening. Pia Sundhage’s side, however, was severely depleted – Arsenal midfielder Lia Walti was among the significant absentees – and while they are the lowest-ranked of the pot one seeds for the Euro finals draw, Wiegman insisted she would not under-estimate them after October’s friendly victory over France and draw with Australia.