Sawt Falasteen - Wiegman says Belgium games can aid England's women's Euros title defence

The Lionesses drew with Portugal before beating Spain -- the team that defeated them in the 2023 Women's World Cup final -- during the last international break in February.

England host Belgium in Bristol on Friday before travelling to Leuven for a game on April 8, with Wiegman saying Thursday her thoughts are also turning to Euro 2025 in Switzerland in July.

"I think it's important that we have a good picture of our team," said Wiegman.

"Of course we go out to play Belgium twice and we want to win those games, but also getting the team ready for the Euros to know who we have available and know who's in good form."

England striker Alessia Russo helped Arsenal advance to the Champions League semi-finals with two goals against Real Madrid as they overturned a 2-0 first-leg deficit.

England captain Leah Williamson, who also featured in that victory, praised her club and international team-mate.

"Everyone would always say how nice of a person Alessia is and how good a person she is, and everybody wants her to succeed for that reason," Williamson said.

"But to be a number nine in any team you have to have that sort of, not arrogance, but confidence about you and we all want to see her playing like she is, so she carries that because she deserves it as a human, she works hard for it.

"We know what a talent she is and when she's scoring goals I know how good that is for her."

Earlier Thursday, it was all but confirmed that the United Kingdom would stage the 2035 Women's World Cup after FIFA president Gianni Infantino described its offer to host the finals as the "one valid bid".

"It's really good news. It will be really great if that tournament will be held here," said Dutch boss Wiegman, who guided England to victory at Euro 2022 on home soil.

"We know with the experience of the Euros how big the game is already here and what that momentum gets here in this country.

"Another tournament on an even bigger stage would be incredible and give another boost to the game."

O.Salim--SF-PST