This will be Carsley’s last chance to work with the squad before Thomas Tuchel takes charge from January 1 and he said the German manager did not have any influence on squad selection.

The league stage will determine which four teams progress to the finals (which will now be played as two-legged ties) and also promotion and relegation between the leagues ahead of the European Qualifiers phase for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.