The Impetus’ pair of writer Aimee Logan and photographer Madeleine Blount were at St. George’s Park as the Lionesses’ preparations for their do-or-die UEFA Nations League games begin (29/11/23).
Above: Millie Turner speaking to the media at St. George’s Park. Photo: Madeleine Blount for Impetus.
The Lionesses were out on the pitch for a cold morning training session at St. George’s Park ahead of their upcoming fixtures that determine their qualification status for next summer’s Olympics.
All 23 players were out on the field training, ready to push for victory in their last two games of 2023: two fixtures that determine their position in the group table that could secure a place at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Despite the cold temperatures, the team got in a good session on the field ahead of the first of their two tough fixtures against the Netherlands, at Wembley Stadium, on Friday.
The so-called ‘GK union’ had changed slightly from the last camp due to the absence of Ellie Roebuck who didn’t make it into Sarina Wiegman’s tight squad. However, Mary Earps, Khiara Keating, and Hannah Hampton were testing each other from tight angles saves to top corner shots.
England’s number one, Earps, was announced as 2023’s BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year, winning the title in succession to her England teammate, Beth Mead. She competed for the award amongst players that are recognised worldwide, including Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati and Matilda’s striker Sam Kerr. Earps’ achievement marks her as the first-ever goalkeeper to win the accolade.
The Lionesses manager made sure all the newer squad members felt involved in her solid and secure England team by speaking to the likes of Maya Le Tissier and Grace Clinton as the young talents hope to impress internationally. Wiegman herself even got involved in some light-hearted passing drills with the team making her commitment and connection to her players evident.
Although everyone was out on the training pitch, Fran Kirby spent a short period on the sidelines stretching with England coaches, but she was quickly back into the fast-paced session as her mild discomfort didn’t seem of any concern.
The debate of who is going to replace Millie Bright in the back line on Friday is in full swing. Manchester City player, Esme Morgan, spent some of her time in the session practicing ball distribution one-on-one with the coaches. It could be likely that Wiegman is looking to call on Morgan to step up and fill the big hole that is looming in the defensive setup.
Wiegman was forced to make changes to her originally selected squad, after World Cup captain, Millie Bright’s, withdrawal from the team due to an injury she picked up at her club. In her place, the Lionesses head coach called up Millie Turner – a player who has experience in the Lionesses camp but is yet to step on the field for her country.
In one of the day’s press conferences, Turner was asked about what it meant to her to be called up again after such a long time away from the England setup, ‘’I rang my dad, and he was just so proud of me. It was just a big moment for me and my family.’’ She described her phone call with the England manager as ‘’exciting and unexpected’’ despite her recent performances for her club Manchester United.
Turner explained how making her debut at Wembley on Friday would be ‘’incredibly special. Just to be a part of this team is such a great honour, and to be able to put that shirt on and play at Wembley would be incredible.’’ Her drive and passion for the game are what keep her going. ‘’It’s all I’ve ever dreamed of, all I’ve ever hoped of. It’s been such a big ambition for me to play for my country.’’
‘’The mentality never changes…we all fight and want to give absolutely everything we can for our country’’ Turner explained, ‘’we’re ready to fight and we’re ready to put on a performance.’’ She was eager to assure that her team are focused and ready for two testing matches despite the pressure that lies on their backs.
She also spoke on the growth of the women’s game after the announcement that a Newco will focus on building the foundation for the next generation of Lionesses, ‘’We’ve grown with the growth of women’s football. To be a part of that growth is really special for all of us… I think the way it’s growing at the rate it’s growing now, I think if you look at it in five years from now who knows where it can reach.’’
England fans are eager to attend the looming Wembley Stadium to hopefully see the Lionesses perform in yet another high-pressure moment. Over 70,000 fans are ready to pack into the home of football on Friday night to watch the squad take to the field for their must-win, last home fixture of 2023.
Madeleine Blount’s EXCLUSIVE photos of Lionesses training at St. George’s Park for Impetus:
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