A match between two continental champions will be held under the lights at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium on Saturday. England, the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euro champions, will face Brazil, the 2025 Copa America Femenina winners. This encounter marks the first time both teams have met since 2023, where they battled in the Finalissima, leading England to victory by a narrow 4-2 penalty shootout.
This upcoming match is a friendly, allowing both squads to showcase their talents while also resting important players ahead of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup preparations. England’s head coach Sarina Wiegman and Brazil’s manager Arthur Elias will utilize this opportunity to evaluate their players as they build towards the World Cup.
How to Watch
Date: Saturday, Oct. 25 | Time: 12:30 p.m. Location: Etihad Stadium – Manchester, England Stream: CBS Sports Golazo Network
England’s Squad Insights
The Lionesses are coming off their historic back-to-back championship victories. They face a new challenge as they rebuild ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Key players like Mary Earps and Fran Kirby have retired, while others are dealing with injuries. However, during the Euros, they proved their capabilities to adapt. In a statement, Wiegman expressed excitement about returning to action, emphasizing the significance of their first game in Manchester since EURO 2022:
“It’s very nice to begin against Brazil, and it is also special for us to be able to play again for our fans in Manchester for the first time since EURO 2022. We expect a tough challenge given our previous encounter.”
With players like Leah Williamson and Lauren James out with injuries, new members have been called up for the match.
Brazil’s Challenges
The Brazilian side is also grappling with injuries. Key players like Antônia and Kerolin will miss the game, along with other squad adjustments due to ongoing injuries. Manager Elias acknowledges the importance of this match to evaluate the team’s cohesiveness against diverse styles, aiming for team identity consolidation ahead of the World Cup.
“These games are crucial for us to assess our performance as we face teams with different playstyles,” Elias highlighted.
Prediction
Considering the uncertainty surrounding team lineups, another draw could be possible. Nonetheless, England may have the advantage with home support. Predicted Score: England 2, Brazil 1.
Upcoming Matches
| Date | Time | Stream | Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, Oct. 24 | 11:45 AM | Golazo | Germany vs. France |
| Friday, Oct. 24 | 2:00 PM | Golazo | Spain vs. Sweden |
| Saturday, Oct. 25 | 12:30 PM | Golazo | England vs. Brazil |
| Tuesday, Oct. 28 | 2:00 PM | Golazo | Spain vs. Sweden |
| Tuesday, Oct. 28 | 4:10 PM | Golazo | France vs. Germany |
| Tuesday, Oct. 28 | 8:00 PM | Golazo (Delayed) | England vs. Australia |
| Tuesday, Oct. 28 | 11:00 PM | Golazo (Delayed) | Belgium vs. Republic of Ireland |
