England Women delay Euros squad cut after Wiegman family bereavement

The announcement of England’s squad for July’s Euros has been delayed until Sarina Wiegman returns to St George’s Park next week after a close family bereavement.

It is understood Wiegman has put a full plan in place and will be in daily contact with the team and staff until her expected return next Monday. The manager’s assistant Arjan Veurink will the lead the preparations for the first of three pre-tournament friendlies.

England kickstart the run-in against Belgium at Molineux a week on Thursday. The team then welcome Wiegman’s and Veurink’s former side the Netherlands to Elland Road before travelling to Switzerland for a week-long camp that culminates in a friendly against Switzerland in Zurich on 30 June.

A provisional 28-player squad was announced on 17 May, with the former captain Steph Houghton included despite injuries that hampered her season and Arsenal’s midfielder Jordan Nobbs missing out with a knee injury. Only 23 will make the cut for the tournament.

England kick off the Euros on 6 July against Austria at Old Trafford. All three of the team’s Group A fixtures have sold out.