England Women will travel to China later this month for an international friendly tournament.
Mark Sampson’s side will be based in YongChuan, Chongqing where they will face China and Australia in the CFA International Women’s Football Tournament.
It is the Lionesses’ first tournament since finishing third in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada this summer.
“This gives us the chance to experience a different continent and a unique football culture”
Mark Sampson England boss
Dates and times of the matches will be confirmed by the Chinese Football Association. England will travel to China on Monday 19 October.
It will be the third tournament England have participated in this year, with their 2015 international calendar opening with the Cyprus Cup in March where they beat Canada 1-0 in the Final.
Sampson said: “To continue the development of our international programme we need to play matches against top 10 nations as often as possible. To do so in a tournament format is a fantastic opportunity to tick those boxes for us.
“It also provides the squad with the chance to experience a different continent and the unique football cultures that come with it, and it is a great opportunity for us to continue to grow as a group.
“Travelling to China at this stage of our domestic season will also offer some new players the opportunity to experience an international senior tournament and lay down a marker for a regular place in the squad."
England’s next home game is against Bosnia & Herzegovina on Sunday 29 November (3.30pm KO) as part of their UEFA Women’s 2017 Euro qualifying campaign.
Tickets are on sale now priced £5 for adults and £2.50 for children. A family ticket (two adults and two children) is available at £10 and group booking discounts apply. Tickets can be purchased via TheFA.com/Tickets or by calling 01179 630 600.
