Sarina Wiegman is eagerly anticipating a different challenge as her England side prepares to face Brazil in an international friendly at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester on Saturday, October 25, 2025. This match marks the first time the Lionesses will take to the field since their triumph at the Euros this summer and is the first of a "Homecoming Series" of four matches.

Wiegman acknowledges the unique difficulties that Brazil presents. She noted their physicality, athleticism, and pace up front, adding that their South American mentality brings a lot of flair to their game. Wiegman emphasized the importance of her team focusing on playing their own football and avoiding getting drawn into unnecessary battles.

The England squad will face Australia three days later in Derby. Wiegman sees these friendlies as a crucial opportunity to test new strategies, evaluate different player combinations, and provide chances to emerging talents. With some injuries and recent retirements within the team, these matches become even more vital for experimenting and solidifying the squad's depth ahead of the 2027 World Cup qualification.

"It's really good that we have four friendlies over this couple of months," Wiegman stated. "Try out new things, see new players, see different combinations, so that's a huge opportunity and I think it's necessary too because we have some injuries and of course, a retired player".

Keira Walsh will captain the side in the absence of the injured Leah Williamson. Wiegman has shown faith in Walsh's leadership abilities, entrusting her with the responsibility of leading the team.

This will be just the fifth meeting between England and Brazil in women's football. England narrowly edges the head-to-head record with two wins to Brazil's one, with one draw. Their most recent encounter was in the 2023 Finalissima, where England emerged victorious after a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw.

England enters the game as the reigning European champions, having successfully defended their title earlier this year. Brazil, on the other hand, arrives as the South American champions, securing their fifth consecutive Copa América title this summer.

The match takes place at the Etihad Stadium, marking England's sixth game in Manchester and their first since a 1-0 victory against Austria at Old Trafford in the opening game of UEFA EURO 2022. The Lionesses' only previous game at the Etihad Stadium concluded in a 3-2 win over Finland at UEFA EURO 2005.

With both teams coming off major tournament wins, fans can anticipate a thrilling contest between two of the world's best teams. The game provides Wiegman with a valuable opportunity to assess her squad against a quality opponent and fine-tune their preparations for the challenges ahead.

For fans in the UK & Ireland, the game will be broadcast live on ITV1 and available for streaming on ITVX.