In Europe, all eyes were on the UEFA Women's Nations League which threw up further twists and turns while further afield, our Canadian trio were in action against Brazil and came out on top in the second instalment of an international friendly double-header.

Kirby comeback

Having made her return to the fold as a second-half substitute in the Lionesses' 1-0 victory over Belgium on Friday, Kirby was in from the start for the return fixture in Leuven on Tuesday where England fell to a 3-2 defeat.

Kirby was joined by fellow Blues Millie Bright and Niamh Charles in the starting XI, while Jess Carter replaced Alex Greenwood midway through the first half when the latter was stretchered off after a head collision.

Laura de Neve gave Belgium an early lead before Lucy Bronze drew the Lionesses level. Kirby marked her return with a classy finish on the stroke of half-time to give England the lead, only for the hosts to equalise deep into first-half stoppage time courtesy of Tessa Wullaert.

There was late drama when the Red Flames were awarded a penalty with five minutes remaining. Wullaert made no mistake from 12 yards, subjecting England to a defeat which leaves them with work to do in their quest to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Elsewhere in Europe

Erin Cuthbert starred in the midfield for Scotland but could not prevent her side from being edged out 1-0 by the Netherlands at Hampden Park, leaving them bottom of Group A1 while the Netherlands remain top.

Wales were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Denmark in Viborg where the hosts went in at the break two goals to the good. Captain Sophie Ingle got the assist for Jess Fishlock, who pulled one back with 20 minutes remaining, but no further goals leaves Wales bottom of Group A3.

Ann-Katrin Berger kept a clean sheet while Sjoeke Nusken featured off the bench as Germany registered a 2-0 win over Iceland to maintain second place in Group A3. Meanwhile, Maren Mjelde helped Norway to a point in a goalless draw against France in Group A2.

Sweden required a last-gasp equaliser to rescue a 1-1 draw against Italy. Zecira Musovic and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd started for the Swedes who sit second in Group A4, while Jelena Cankovic and Serbia are second in Group B3 after a 1-1 stalemate with Poland.

Long haul Blues

Our Canadian trio of Kadeisha Buchanan, Ashley Lawrence and Jessie Fleming were in action on Tuesday night in the second leg of a friendly double-header against Brazil, where they were looking to avenge a 1-0 defeat in the opening match.

Buchanan and Lawrence started for Canada while Fleming was introduced as a second-half substitute as they recorded a 2-0 victory in Halifax. Goals from Jordyn Huitema and Deanne Rose did the damage in the last 20 minutes of proceedings.

Later today, Sam Kerr and her Australia side will take on Chinese Taipei in the last of three Olympic qualifying matches during this international window. The Matildas have already recorded back-to-back victories against the Philippines and Iran.

Kerr netted four goals in these two games, including a hat-trick against the Philippines, and has added another individual accolade to her collection after being named the Women’s Player of the Year by the Asian Football Confederation. Maika Hamano took home the Women's Youth Player of the Year award.