Sarina Wiegman turns to ‘Plan B’ for the very first Women’s Finalissima

England coach Sarina Wiegman says she will use her ‘plan B’ against Brazil on Thursday evening as the ever-present Millie Bright is unavailable due to injury.

The Lionesses will take on the Copa America champions at a sold-out Wembley in the inaugural edition of the Women’s Finalissima, but will miss their vice-captain, who was forced to pull out with a knee problem.

The Chelsea centre-back, who played every game in last summer’s European Championships, has been a key player for Wiegman and has developed a strong partnership with captain Leah Williamson.

But Wiegman insisted Bright’s absence gives other players a chance to impress.

“Of course I want her to be available, she has played so many games for us and Chelsea. She is not here. We have our plan B, so we’ll see,” said Wiegman.

“On the one hand, it’s another chance to see where our team is when they’re not playing.”

Wiegman said she knows her World Cup squad better, but insisted players still have time to make their case for a seat on the plane to Australia and New Zealand.

The Lionesses boss also believes Thursday night’s game against Brazil, ninth in the world rankings, and Tuesday’s friendly against Australia will be a tougher test than what they faced at the Arnold Clark Cup in February.

“We are getting closer to the World Cup and you want to get closer to your squad, but there is still three and a half months to go, a lot can happen, there will be a lot of games, internationally, but also at club.

“At the moment, playing against Brazil and Australia gives us a new measure moment. We also expect to be challenged more on defense than in the Arnold Clark Cup, we expect a little bit more.

“That gives us more information about our team and where our players currently stand to move forward in our preparation for the World Cup.”