By Emily Wyatt (24/10/24)
Above: Sarina Wiegman at the matchday –1 press conference at St Georges Park, Photo: Madeline Blount, Impetus Football.
Lionesses head coach Sarina Wiegman and England captain Leah Williamson both expressed their expectations regarding their upcoming friendlies against Germany and South Africa within the next week. Wiegman believes it will be “really good for the team to get that experience at the highest level.” The boss also confirmed Fran Kirby and Lotte Wubben-Moy are ruled out of the German friendly at Wembley Stadium.
After being asked why the friendlies against Germany and South Africa were decided, Wiegman confidently stated her reasons within the press conference. She understands that both teams are “totally different at the high level” which will give the Lionesses a more effective test. Ultimately, she fully understands the level and standard in which the German national team play, which will be a good test for the Lionesses. Additionally, she stated that she wanted the team to play against South Africa as they “always play a little different with their style and have a different identity which we want to play against too”.
Overall, she knows that her team as a whole “know where they want to get to in July”. Wiegman also discussed the “headache” that she currently has, based around the team selection.
It is well known to WSL fans that Alessia Russo and Beth Mead have not had the strongest start to the season both playing for Arsenal, which could potentially take a toll on their chances of being first pick for the starting lineups when it comes to international football. Striker, Russo, has not scored one goal so far in this WSL season while her teammate Mead has only secured one goal within her five appearances for her club.
Although, it is not only her forwards which the boss has had a “headache” over but also her midfielders. Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway have been regular starters in the middle for England over the last few years, but now with the outstanding running form of Grace Clinton since returning to Manchester United and Jess Park at Manchester City, more competition could be waiting when fighting for that starting spot within the vastly talented squad.
However, Wiegman positively states that it is a “headache that she wants to have” as it will ultimately give her more options throughout the selection of her team.
Not only was the discussion on potential changes within the squad popular, but there was also a lot of focus on the currently injured players within the squad and how that could possibly affect the team in the upcoming fixtures.
Lauren James, who withdrew from this month’s camp, due to a calf injury is expected to miss out on the Lionesses’ November camp too, because of the extent of her injury. Sarina described James as a “very talented player” and reassured everyone that “as soon as she gets fit, and she gets at her level as well as the playing minutes, then she begins to show quality and from there we will see how the competition is”. Weigman has made it very clear that no player gets a free pass into her squad because of how high the competition for every single position is and James is no exception.
As for Fran Kirby and Lotte Wubben-Moy, they will be remaining in camp to take part in individual training and recovery to treat their current injuries. The forward and defender will be undoubtedly ruled out for the clash against Germany however, they are hoping to be ready for the team’s game against South Africa on Tuesday.
Overall, Weigman stated that her team as a whole “know where they want to get to in July” which makes their upcoming preparations vital on the road to the Euros next year.
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