England vs Italy LIVE commentary: Lionesses look to build on impressive recent performances in Marbella friendly – kick-off time, team news and how to follow

The Lionesses will look to build on their recent run of good form in a friendly against Italy tonight, live on talkSPORT 2.

Sarina Wiegman's England side have scored 13 goals across their last two games, including a 6-0 thrashing of Scotland in the Nations League.

England are currently taking part in a series of friendlies before the competitive action gets underway later this year.

And Italy should prove a stern test.

They are currently 14th in the FIFA rankings after a run of four games unbeaten, including a 3-2 victory over world champions Spain, so it should be a tough match for the Lionesses.

England vs Italy: Wiegman's mission

Wiegman has turned England into one of the best sides in the women's game.

They are the reigning European champions after home success in 2022 and made it to the World Cup final in 2023.

The Dutchwoman signed a new deal with the FA earlier this year, keeping her as England boss until beyond the 2027 World Cup, so there is still plenty of time for her to win some more major trophies and that work starts now.

Friendlies like these allow her to tinker with her team and tactics until she's got everything ready for the next major tournament.

England are incredibly lucky to have Wiegman, so it's brilliant to see she is going to be sticking around for a long time, which should lead to more success.

England vs Italy: Team news

Fran Kirby will play no part due to a minor issue picked up before the 7-2 win over Austria.

Chloe Kelly is fit to play despite missing that match.

Millie Turner has been called up in place of Leah Williamson, who withdrew due to injury.

That leaves Wiegman with 22 players.

England squad:

• Goalkeepers: Mary Earps, Hannah Hampton, Khiara Keating
• Defenders: Lucy Bronze, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Alex Greenwood, Maya Le Tissier, Esme Morgan, Millie Turner, Lotte Wubben-Moy
• Midfielders: Grace Clinton, Jessica Parker, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Keira Walsh
• Forwards: Rachel Daly, Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Chloe Kelly, Beth Mead, Alessia Russo

England vs Italy: What has been said?

Wiegman has defended the decision to play these friendlies in Spain rather than England.

She said: "It’s finding balance.

“What we wanted to do was play good friendlies in good circumstances. We have very good pitches here, the weather is also good. We did know there probably wouldn’t be as many fans here as we had hoped.

“We will be back in England. We have games in April, June and July, and the rest of the season we’ll be playing a lot in England. I hope that connects us with the fans enough.”

England vs Italy: Date and how to follow

This friendly is set to take place on Tuesday, February 26.

Kick-off at the Estadio Nuevo Mirador in Marbella is set for 5pm UK time.

talkSPORT 2 will have live coverage of the match, with Joe Shennan and former Lioness Lianne Sanderson providing commentary.