Sarina Wiegman told reporters England’s fringe players face strong competition to break into the squad on a more consistent basis after a heavily rotated side beat Switzerland 1-0 tonight.
Wiegman made ten changes from the lineup that faced the USA on Saturday, including debuts for Laura Blindkilde-Brown and Ruby Mace and starts for the likes of Grace Clinton and Aggie Beever-Jones. Several put in promising performances, including Clinton scoring the only goal of the match six minutes in, but Wiegman was clear that places on the plane to the Euros in Switzerland next summer will be difficult to come by.
What did Sarina Wiegman say?
Reacting to England’s narrow victory, the manager said: “I think the first half we played really well. We challenged them all the time. We played mainly on their half of the pitch and created chances. Scored one goal. I was really happy with that because what we wanted to do with a very young team, some debuts and some starters for the first time.
“That was a very good first half. I think the second half our level dropped.We were more sloppy. We didn’t find the pockets well enough. So yeah, that was a little bit harder. And they did some different things, but I still think we were not as good aligned as we were (in) the first half.”
Embed from Getty ImagesThis side was heavily rotated from the lineup to face Emma Hayes’ USA on the weekend, something Wiegman attributed in part to player loading but also to her aim of learning from these friendlies. Reflecting on the break, she said: “There was lots of information about individuals, where they are at this moment. And of course it’s two games, but we could play many players – exactly what we have done. So that gives us information also how we wanted to treat a couple of things in our style of play, that gave a lot of information too. So of course there’s a lot of work to do, but I think that it’s very good to see from the team. And those are the main two things that I took from this. And off the pitch, we did things with the team, which I thought were really good for players. So they make the chance of development and so the chance of being selected for the Euros higher.”
Standout players on the verge of breaking fully into the team included Jess Park, the only player to start against both the USA and Switzerland, and Manchester United’s Grace Clinton – tonight’s only goalscorer.
“I think (Clinton) is improving well. I think she had to do a couple of things too today. She had a good game, and she’s had more good games. Now, the next step is to get into the squad more often and get consistency. I was happy with that. And you can really tell that she’s developing. I also thought that Jess Park made a difference today.
Embed from Getty Images“What I would like to see more from (Clinton) is that she keeps overseeing pictures, even when the pace of the game is faster than than it was tonight. But you can tell she’s on the way and she’s improving and hopefully she keeps showing that and also at club.”
When asked about debutant Ruby Mace, Wiegman would not be drawn on whether the Leicester midfielder could be ready to deputise for Keira Walsh, but praised the “powerful” 21-year-old and said: “What we want in that role as a four, she was working on. But it was also her first game, her debut in the national team. And so the first moment she had to get through.”
On how England’s youngsters can make the step up to a more competitive stage, Wiegman said: “Now it’s going back to club performance at the highest level. And keep doing that. Get consistent performances. And also, show of course, exactly what they’re working on and show that there’s going to be difference and improvement. Then of course in our environment there’s competition in all positions – and very high competition. So moving forward, you have to make sure that you’re the best, at least that you’re your best. And hopefully that’s enough to be selected.“
Embed from Getty ImagesThe friendly against Switzerland marks England’s final fixture of 2024. Reflecting on the year, Wiegman said: “Spring, we were just really happy that we were in such a tough group of the Nations League, and that we qualified in July. That was very important because I think these four games we have played now are crucial for our development. So I’m really happy with that. Of course, if you sum up the year, we missed a major tournament in the summer which of course, we would have liked to be in.
“But yeah, overall, I’m happy with these four games that we’ve played. Gives us information moving forward… and then getting excited for the (Euros) draw on the 16th of December, and then we know where we’re going to play and I can’t wait to get started with the team again in February.”
