International friendlies wrapped this week with the Blues appearing in several matches on Monday and Tuesday. Up first were eighth-ranked Canada against Brazil, with Blues' player Jessie Fleming starting in midfield. Canada drew 0-0 to Czech Republic last week but came close to putting a goal on the board against Brazil in the 85th minute but unfortunately for Shelina Zadosky, her header bounced off the goal-post. The match ended 0-0 once more with Canada posting a fourth clean sheet before they head to the Olympics where first they will face hosts, Japan.

The Netherlands dazzled on Tuesday with a showstopping 7-0 victory over Norway, stepping up to the mark having lost last week to Italy. New Blue, Aniek Nouwen, was in the starting line-up for the Orange Lionesses who netted six goals on the night with Miedema scoring two and Spitse, Roord, Van de Sanden and Van de Donk all putting one on the board. Norway’s Moe Wold also helped boost the Netherlands goal count with an unfortunate own-goal in the second half. The result was the Netherlands biggest ever win as they head to the Olympics this summer.

Next up were Sweden against Australia in Kalmar. Magda Eriksson started for Sweden with Jonna Andersson and Zecira Musovic on the bench, while Sam Kerr once again captained the Matildas. Kerr had the closest chance of the match, hitting the crossbar but unfortunately came off as a precaution following a niggle to her leg midway through the second half. Eriksson was also brought off after 30 minutes following a calf injury. Both will be assessed by their respective medical teams.The Aussies showed strength in their defence, managing to hold Sweden to a goalless draw. The two teams will face each other once more in the opening Olympic group stages.

Pernille Harder captained Denmark against Spain. Denmark were fresh from their victory against Australia last week but unfortunately were not able to replicate their form, with a set-piece conversion from Guijarro and a double from Bonmati handing Spain a 3-0 victory.

Wales and Scotland rounded off the evening of friendlies with Sophie Ingle skippering for Wales in midfield and Erin Cuthbert lining up for Scotland. While it was an even contest, Cuthbert capitalised on Wales goalkeeper Laura O’Sullivan’s mistake, tapping the ball into an empty net to give Scotland the all-important match-winning goal in the second half, with the game ending 1-0. Both teams now start preparing for their World Cup qualification matches later this summer.

Elsewhere, the Lionesses completed a strong week of training at Bisham Abbey on Tuesday with Fran Kirby, Millie Bright, Niamh Charles and Sophie Ingle heading to Team GB camp on Thursday to start their Tokyo Olympics journey. It’s sure to be an exciting summer for women’s football!