England women: Lionesses to face Austria and Italy in February friendlies

England's matches against Austria and Italy will be their first since the 6-0 Nations League win over Scotland in December

England will begin preparations for European Championship qualifying with friendlies against Austria and Italy in February in Spain.

The European champions will play the two internationals at Estadio Nuevo Mirador in Algeciras in southern Spain.

Sarina Wiegman's side will play Austria on Friday, 23 February, before facing Italy four days later.

Qualifying for the 2025 European Championship begins in April, with the draw taking place on 5 March.

Wiegman said: "This will be our kick-off to get ready for the Euro qualifying campaign beginning in April, so there's no time to waste in February.

"Heading to Spain with hopefully warmer weather and great facilities will allow us to maximise every minute together. Playing two games against good opposition in Austria and Italy, should be excellent preparation for another big year ahead.

"They are two good and different opponents who will want to start the year strong too, so it will be important to come together again as a team and use these games to prepare for the qualification matches starting in April."

Emma Coates' Under-23 side will join the senior players for the training camp.

"We are very proud of our pathway and how our development teams are progressing and I'm really pleased that Emma's Under-23's squad can travel with us to Spain," Wiegman added.

"It's not something I have had the opportunity to do during my time here with England and it will bring many opportunities to collaborate together."