Alisha Lehmann sends birthday message to her mum ahead of Switzerland's Nations League clash with Sweden

Lehmann has been back in her native Switzerland on international duty, but the Aston Villa forward took time away from Nations League preparations to send heartfelt birthday wishes to her mother, Sarah Guggisberg.

"Happy birthdaaaaaay MUM!" posted Lehmann on her Instagram account. "Thank you for everything you always do for me, I love you so much."

Lehmann's timeline soon filled with hundreds of messages wishing her mother many happy returns. Which is no surprise given the 24-year-old has an extraordinary 16 million Instagram followers. Lehmann has proved a hit on and off the pitch since joining Villa in 2021, with fans delighted by her humble gestures before and after games.

Lehmann and her Swiss team-mates look to breathe life into a thoroughly miserable Nations League campaign when they seek their first win against Sweden in Lucerne tonight. They'll have their work cut out, though, as the Swedes are currently the top-ranked side in women's international football.