'She can't play two games' - Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman issues injury updates on Mary Earps and Niamh Charles ahead of England's crucial Euro 2025 qualifiers with Ireland and Sweden

Chelsea star Charles was unable to feature in either of the Lionesses' games against France in the last international break due to a calf problem while Earps picked up a hip injury just minutes into the first of those two matches, cruelly and prematurely ending her 50th appearance for her country.

Though Lauren James, Lotte Wubben-Moy and Kayla Rendell have been unable to join up with the England squad this week before games against Ireland and Sweden, continuing their respective rehab programmes with club, Charles and Earps have been able to join this camp and Wiegman has elaborated on the parts they will be able to play.

Speaking in her press conference on Thursday, the England coach said "everyone’s in a good place" when discussing the fitness of the squad. When asked if there are no concerns over Earps and Charles then, Wiegman replied: "No, no concerns but coming from where especially Niamh comes, we know she can’t play two games of 90 minutes."

England go into this international break knowing that two wins will secure automatic qualification for next summer's Euros, at which they will be the defending champions. If they fall short, playoffs will beckon in the final few months of 2024.

If the Lionesses beat Ireland on Friday, there is also a chance they might only need to draw in Gothenburg on Tuesday, that is if Sweden lose to France in their first fixture of this window.