Mark Parsons admits there is 'a chance' Vivianne Miedema could be available against France

Mark Parsons admits there is 'a chance' Vivianne Miedema could be available to feature for the Netherlands against France in the Euro 2022 quarter finals on Saturday evening after testing negative for Covid-19.

Miedema - the Netherlands' all-time top scorer - was instrumental in her side's opening draw against pre-tournament favourites Sweden, but has not featured since following a positive Covid test.

The forward returned to Netherlands training on Wednesday, and Parsons explained she would need to complete one more training session and 'tick a few more boxes' before she could be confirmed available for their quarter final clash.

"I said the other day we need to get through three training sessions, so we've got through two, things are going well, we've got one more today," Parsons said. "I'm spreading as much positive energy and optimism as possible of course, so is everyone else.

"But we'll have to see. We'll have to see the training session, we'll have to do the check-in later today, we'll make the decision before our final meeting.

"But it's also about making sure every step is ticked because with Covid, with players it's never the same. Jackie (Groenen) actually had a very fast runway so we are ticking boxes, we have a few more to go, let's see.

"There is a chance she could be available because things are going well but we need to tick the last few boxes."

When asked to clarify whether this meant Miedema would just be available to feature from the bench or available to actually start, Parsons explained this was a conversation to be had once her initial availability was confirmed.

"The only thing I'm interested in: is she available to play?" Parsons added. "Of course there is a conversation about minutes. But that's the first step. We need to know is she available to play, and from there we need to make tactical choices."