Six Key Issues Sarina Wiegman Must Address for Lionesses’ Euros Defence

England’s recent 4-3 defeat to Germany exposed defensive flaws that demand Sarina Wiegman’s attention before the Lionesses defend their European Championship title next summer. Below are six critical areas she must address to strengthen England’s title defense.

1. Building Depth in Midfield England’s midfield lacks depth behind established starters Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway. While their partnership is effective, reliance on these two players means limited experience for alternatives, leaving England vulnerable if one gets injured. Wiegman’s tendency to stick with a stable lineup has contributed to this issue, and integrating more players into midfield roles is essential for depth and flexibility.

2. Left-back Conundrum The left-back position remains a weak link. England relied on forward Rachel Daly during Euro 2022 due to a lack of viable left-backs. Current options, such as Gabby George and Poppy Pattinson, haven’t fully integrated into Wiegman’s plans. Chelsea’s Niamh Charles is the current choice, but as a right-footed player, her fit isn’t ideal. A potential return to a 3-5-2 formation could alleviate this, but England needs a left-back solution soon.

3. Dependency on Lucy Bronze at Right-back Lucy Bronze has been a right-back stalwart, but with her age and the absence of a clear successor, England needs alternatives. Maya Le Tissier showed promise but has been playing as a central defender at her club. Recently, Wiegman gave her some time at right-back, indicating that Le Tissier could fill this role as she continues to adapt. Consistent opportunities in this position will be crucial in solidifying her readiness as Bronze’s backup.

4. Maximizing Alex Greenwood’s Contributions Alex Greenwood, despite her consistent club performance, has seen reduced game time with England. Known for her precision and stability, Greenwood’s exclusion against Germany drew criticism, as her form arguably surpasses that of Leah Williamson, the current England captain. With defensive issues prevalent, Wiegman may benefit from consistently featuring Greenwood to reinforce England’s backline.

5. Selecting In-form Players Wiegman’s selections have drawn scrutiny, with players like Jess Park and Grace Clinton overlooked despite strong club performances. Many fans and pundits argue for rewarding players based on recent form, which could inject fresh energy and competitiveness. In-form players deserve chances in high-stakes matches, allowing them to prove their worth against top opponents.

6. Refreshing the Core XI Wiegman’s preference for a consistent lineup has strengths, but recent matches suggest the approach might be stagnating. The Euro 2022-winning core makes up much of the current lineup, but introducing new players could rejuvenate the squad’s dynamic. Increased competition for starting spots may also eliminate any potential complacency within the team.

The Germany loss, while disheartening, may serve as a much-needed wake-up call for Wiegman and her team. By addressing these six areas, England can reinforce its squad and heighten its chances of a successful Euros title defense.