Women’s World Cup: England preparations undermined by club vs country row | OneFootball

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ngland face the prospect of having to begin their World Cup preparations four days later than planned due to an ongoing club v country row.

The European Club Association (ECA) are standing firm on the agreement they struck last month, which set a non-mandatory release timeframe of June 23 to 29 for players.

That is four days after the FA had planned for their camp to begin at St George’s Park and Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman expressed her frustration at the situation when she announced her squad on Wednesday.

England are not the only country frustrated, with Germany also believed to want to begin their preparations before June 23.

Bayern Munich have told Germany they will not release players until the 23rd, with five of their squad due to be called up. Bayern midfielder Georgia Stanway has also been called up by England.

Bayern, like leading Women’s Super League clubs, are part of the ECA and are sticking to the agreement that was struck last month. Before that, it had originally been stated that players would not have to join up with their countries until July 10.

Clubs agreed that was too late and, with the help of the ECA, a compromise was met to agree a non-mandatory release timeframe of June 23 to 29.

Leading European clubs are worried about releasing players early amid concerns they will not get enough rest.

England boss Wiegman, however, has argued it would be worse for the condition of players if they had a longer break before the World Cup.

The lack of certainty is impacting the Lionesses’ plans as they have been unable to confirm a farewell friendly, which is due to take place in early July before they fly to Australia.