England Euro 2022 trophyGetty Images

England to face Italy, Belgium and South Korea as Arnold Clark Cup returns for 2023

WHAT HAPPENED? The Lionesses, who won the inaugural edition of this tournament last year before going on to win the Euros, will face three new opponents in the build-up to the 2023 Women's World Cup, hoping it puts them in good stead for more success.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Belgium were quarter-finalists at the Euros in July, while Italy had a disappointing summer but reached the last eight at the World Cup in 2019 and South Korea were runners-up at this year's Asian Cup.

WHAT THEY SAID?: "Winning the 2022 Arnold Clark Cup was a big achievement and gave us momentum and confidence heading into the Euros," said England head coach Sarina Wiegman. “Facing three different good opposition, each with a different style of play and playing three matches in ten days is the perfect preparation for the challenges that await us next summer."

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DID YOU KNOW? Italy are one of only nine teams that England have a losing record against in their history. The two have met 31 times, with the Lionesses winning 10 of those matches but tasting defeat in 15.

IN FOUR PHOTOS:

England Arnold Clark Cup trophy 2022GettyBelgium Women 2022GettyItaly Women 2022GettyJi So-yun South Korea Women 2021

THE VERDICT:

That schedule is coming together quite nicely...

Chelsea fans are excited about the return of a certain someone...

Not long to go now, so get excited...

WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND? The Lionesses will close out their year with friendlies in Spain against Japan (November 11) and Norway (November 15). In the meantime, fans can get tickets for their return to home soil in February from the Arnold Clark Cup website.

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