Who is playing?
West Ham United Women have had two players selected to represent their respective nations during the upcoming International break. Forward duo Martha Thomas and Adriana Leon have temporarily departed east London, linking up with both Scotland and Canada as they take part in crucial fixtures on either side of the Atlantic.
For Thomas, it’s the final two qualification matches in Group E for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, first against Cyprus on Friday 18 February and five days later against Portugal on Tuesday 23rd of February.
Despite lying in third place in the group, Scotland are unable to qualify for the tournament scheduled to take place in England next summer. The Scots are currently seven points adrift of joint-leaders Finland and upcoming opponents Portugal with just six available.
Nevertheless, Thomas will be hoping for a strong showing in the final two fixtures as she looks to recapture her goalscoring form ahead of the resumption of the WSL season.
Meanwhile Thomas’ strike partner in Claret and Blue, Adriana Leon, is taking part in the prestigious SheBelieves Cup in the USA. It’s the first time the Canadian women have qualified for the event, which is being held in Orlando, Florida this year.
A round-robin style tournament will see Canada square off against the USA on Friday 18 February, Argentina on Sunday 21 February and Brazil on Wednesday 23 February.
Can I watch these matches?
Yes and no! Scottish supporters will be able to watch Stuart Mclaren’s team in action against Cyprus on Friday evening and against Portugal the following Tuesday on BBC Alba.
Unfortunately, the SheBelieves Cup will not be shown on television here in the UK so Hammers supporters based in the British Isles may have to keep their eye-out for highlights. However, a selection of broadcasters around the globe are planning to show the fixtures, so if you happen to live further afield you may be in luck!
Matches in full:
Friday 18 February:
Adriana Leon – USA v Canada – SheBelieves Cup – Exploria Stadium, Orlando, Florida, USA – 12:00am KO (GMT)
Martha Thomas - Cyprus v Scotland - UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 Qualifying, Group E – AEK Arena, Larnaca, Cyprus - 1:00pm KO
Sunday 21 February:
Adriana Leon – Argentina v Canada – SheBelieves Cup – Exploria Stadium, Orlando, Florida, USA – 11:00pm KO (GMT)
Tuesday 23 February:
Martha Thomas – Scotland v Portugal - UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 Qualifying, Group E – AEK Arena, Larnaca, Cyprus - 7:30pm KO
Wednesday 24 February:
Adriana Leon - Canada v Brazil - SheBelieves Cup - Exploria Stadium, Orlando, Florida, USA - 9:00pm KO (GMT)
