Wiegman 'very worried' about the scheduling of England's Nations League campaign

Sarina Wiegman admitted that she is 'very worried' about the scheduling of the brand-new Nations League tournament, which will see the Lionesses back in tournament action just over a month after their World Cup final heartbreak in August.

England are set to face Scotland in their inaugural match of the competition on September 22, and will contest Wiegman's former side, the Netherlands, in their second tie just four days before the start of the Women's Super League season on October 1.

'We knew this was a very short turnaround,' the head coach said, before adding that although the fixture congestion was in part a result of gains made within the women's game, players were in need of rest.

'Some players (will have) only had six days off, which after such a high-level, high-pressure competition is not good for them.

'The urgency to solve (the situation), and to make it better is really, really, high.

Wiegman added that it would be a 'challenge' not only to ensure physical freshness for her squad, but a renewed mentality too.

The timeframe for preparations means that Wiegman makes just five tweaks to her World Cup squad for the competition as mandated by injuries to Barcelona's Keira Walsh, and Bethany England, who will miss the start of Tottenham's season after undergoing hip surgery.

Manchester United's Maya Le Tissier, Aston Villa's Lucy Staniforth, and Jess Park of Manchester City were all promoted to the competition's 24-player squad after being picked as World Cup understudies, with Wiegman opting not to recall Arsenal's Beth Mead or Chelsea midfielder Fran Kirby, both of whom are steadily making their way back from injury.

'In their minds, they're ready to go,' Wiegman said, adding that she had urged 'a little patience' from the players as they look to regain match fitness.