England Women will kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign on Merseyside.
The Lionesses have confirmed that their opening game for the 2019 tournament against Russia for Tranmere Rovers’ Prenton Park on Tuesday, September 19.
Mark Sampson’s side are currently preparing for the Women’s European Championship in Holland, which kicks off this coming weekend.
Their Tranmere outing will be the Lionesses’ first since the tournament and striker Jodie Taylor is relishing a return to the club that launched her career.
She said: “I can’t wait to go back for this game, it’s been a dream of mine for a long time.
“It was at Tranmere that I first started playing properly and it really set me on the path to have the career that I have had.
“Russia are a good team and it will be an excellent test for us to play them at the start of the campaign. We’ll want to get off to a strong start and get the three points.
“I know people across Merseyside love their football so hopefully we’ll have a big crowd at Prenton Park to really get behind us.”
Tranmere chairman Mark Palios added: “We are delighted to be selected as the host venue for what is an important fixture for England Women.
“Tranmere Rovers has a proud history in women’s football and we are looking forward to now hosting the national team at Prenton Park.
“It is a great opportunity for the people of the North West to come and support the national team after what we hope will be a successful summer for them.
“With so many Merseyside and North West players involved, including Jodie Taylor, I am sure the local public will really get behind the team at this fixture and make it a fantastic event.”
The Lionesses are now in Utrecht ahead of their opening Euro 2017 game against Scotland on Wednesday July, 19 (7.45pm BST KO).
They will then face Spain on Sunday 23 July and Portugal on Thursday, July 27. All games will be live on Channel 4 and BBC Radio 5 Live.
England last faced Russia, now 25th in the FIFA rankings, at Euro 2013, drawing 1-1 with a goal from new Barcelona summer signing Toni Duggan.
Tickets are on sale now with children and concessions priced at £1.
An early bird ticket offer of £7.50 for adults will run until August 7. where full priced tickets will then be £10. Group booking and Charter Standard discounts apply.
Tickets for the game can be bought via TheFA.com/Tickets, by calling 03330 144452 (option 1) or in person at Prenton Park.