Sarina Wiegman is “disappointed” that the Lionesses were once again unable to take part in the Ballon d'Or

England coach Sarina Wiegman said it was “really disappointing” that the Ballon d'Or once again clashed with the women's international break, meaning nominated Lionesses players will not be able to attend the Paris ceremony tonight.

Lucy Bronze, Lauren James and Lauren Hemp made the 30-strong shortlist for the Ballon d'Or Feminin, while Wiegman herself was nominated for Women's Coach of the Year. Despite James being injured, the Lionesses are preparing for Tuesday night's friendly against South Africa in Coventry as the Ballon d'Or ceremony takes place and neither Bronze nor Hemp will be able to attend the star-studded evening.

It will be a similar story for several other leading nations across Europe, with Aitana Bonmati, the favorite to win the Ballon d'Or Feminin title, having to play for Spain in Italy on Tuesday night.

England faced a similar situation last year when the Ballon d'Or clashed with England's game against Belgium in the Women's Nations League, meaning Georgia Stanway, Rachel Daly, Millie Bright and Mary Earps were unable to attend.

“It's really disappointing because it's a moment to celebrate women's football so you want to be there,” Wiegman said on the eve of the South Africa game. “But we have a job to do so we have to be here, it would be helpful if we were there.”

Meanwhile, Wiegman confirmed she will make changes for the South Africa game following Friday's 4-3 defeat to Germany at Wembley.

The Dutch coach admitted her team were “unprotected” defensively as Germany scored three goals in the first half hour.

The Lionesses are preparing to defend next summer's European Championships in Switzerland and face a different challenge against a South African team that made it to the round of 16 at last year's Women's World Cup.

“You’ll see different faces tomorrow,” Wiegman said. “You want more information, but I’m not going to tell you. We want to try things out, we want to see connections.”