England's women were so close to making history. Having become the first English senior side to reach a World Cup final since 1966, after the success of winning the Euros in 2022, the Lionesses just came up short in Sydney.
Spain won the Women's World Cup final 1-0 to take home the trophy, leaving Sarina Wiegman's side — and an entire nation — to ponder what might have been.
A major trophy win and a final appearance in two successive years is no mean feat, however, and it's clear the Lionesses are growing as a team and in support.
So, what's next on their horizon? The Sporting News takes a look at the upcoming fixtures for the likes of Mary Earps, Lucy Bronze and company.
MORE: Women's World Cup 2023 final standings, results and how it unfolded
When do England women play next?
It won't be long before we get to see Wiegman's England in action. Following the conclusion of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, their next match is set for September 22 when they host Scotland in the UEFA Women's Nations League.
The game will kick off at 7.45 p.m. local time (2.45 p.m. ET) and be staged at Sunderland's Stadium of Light. It marks the start of their 2023/24 Nations League campaign, with Belgium and the Netherlands also in the group (League A) alongside England and Scotland.
Gave it everything. Made us dream. Inspired the nation.
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) August 20, 2023
Proud 💙 pic.twitter.com/CsPqmNJC2s
Lionesses fixtures: England schedule for rest of 2023
Here's a look at all the upcoming fixtures for England in the remainder of the calendar year. The UEFA Nations League takes precedent, before they begin preparations for the next major tournament — the Women's Euro 2025 — in 2024.
Some dates and venues TBC, all kick-offs are UK time (BST or GMT).
| Match | Date | KO time | Competition | Result |
| England vs Scotland — Stadium of Light, Sunderland | Sept 22 | 7.45pm | UEFA Women's Nations League | — |
| Netherlands vs England — Stadion Galgenwaard, Utrecht | Sept 26 | 7pm | UEFA Women's Nations League | — |
| England vs Belgium — King Power Stadium Leicester | Oct 27 | 7.45pm | UEFA Women's Nations League | — |
| Belgium vs England — King Power At Den Dreef Stadium, Leuven | Oct 31 | TBC | UEFA Women's Nations League | — |
| England vs Netherlands, venue TBC | Dec 1 | TBC | UEFA Women's Nations League | — |
| Scotland vs England, venue TBC | Dec 5 | TBC | UEFA Women's Nations League | — |
Sarina Wiegman future as England coach, contract
There has been no suggestion that Wiegman will leave her post as England head coach right now, with the Dutchwoman under contract with the Football Association (FA) until after Euro 2025.
She's enjoyed unparalleled success in charge of the Lionesses, reaching the final in both tournaments, winning the Euros and losing the World Cup final.
Asked whether she would take England to another World Cup, she said: "Four years is a long time. We have a very short turnaround, but we'll start in September with Scotland and the Netherlands in the Nations League to qualify for the Olympics [in 2024].
"You want to improve all the time. That's what I see, this group of players are so eager to be successful, so every next moment we want to grab [the opportunity] and be better. Growth is one of the things that is really into this team."
The Evening Standard report that contract talks with Wiegman are now a priority for the FA, who will also engage in talks with players to resolve performance-related bonus disputes that are ongoing.
