England’s preparations for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup will enter their final phase next week when the Young Lionesses travel to Portugal for one last training camp and friendly before the tournament begins.
With places in the final squad still to be decided, the upcoming fixture carries added importance for every player hoping to secure a ticket to Poland.
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Lydia Bedford’s side have already completed three preparation camps this summer, facing Canada, Japan, the United States and Colombia as they build towards their first FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup appearance since 2018.
The meeting with Portugal at the Cidade do Futebol in Lisbon on August 13 will be England’s final match before they open their World Cup campaign against Canada on September 5.
The Portugal camp also represents the final opportunity for players to impress before Bedford names her World Cup squad. Every training session and every minute on the pitch could prove decisive as England look to arrive in Poland with momentum.
Liverpool’s Zara Shaw has now received another England call-up after being included in the latest Young Lionesses squad for the Portugal trip.
Shaw is part of a 26-player squad that will travel to Lisbon, where England will face the hosts as part of their final preparations for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
The camp is England’s final gathering before Bedford trims her squad for the tournament in Poland.
The Young Lionesses have been drawn in Group B alongside Brazil, Canada and Tanzania, with their opening fixture scheduled for September 5.
Shaw’s inclusion continues a busy international summer for the Liverpool youngster.
She was previously selected for England’s June training camp in Spain, where the Young Lionesses faced Canada and Japan, before remaining involved for July’s preparations in the United States against the USA and Colombia.
The19-year-old remained a consistent part of Bedford’s plans throughout England’s World Cup build-up. She also featured during the June camp, coming off the bench against Japan as England continued to assess its options ahead of the tournament.
Zara Shaw has established herself as one of Liverpool’s brightest young prospects and continues to earn the trust of England’s coaching staff at youth level.