Above: Sarina Wiegman and Alessia Russo speak to media at Wembley Stadium Image: Catherine MacKenzie for Impetus
Twenty-four hours away from facing World Champions Spain, Sarina Wiegman and Alessia Russo spoke of the development of the women’s game and the need for fans to realise that there are no easy games anymore.
This evening, England’s Lionesses face a familiar foe: the team that beat them 1-0 in a close World Cup final in 2023. That day was bittersweet for Lioness fans, players and staff alike: the first world cup final appearance for a senior England team since 1966 was a cause for major celebration. However, the result did not go England’s way on the day – despite a penalty save from Mary Earps that solidified her as the world’s best goalkeeper.
Although not a major tournament final, the game will feel pressured in a different way. England and Spain both start the game in relatively shaky form; Spain conceded two to Belgium last time out, rescuing a win in stoppage time, and England drew 1-1 with Portugal in a mixed performance.
Ahead of this evening’s match, England head coach Sarina Wiegman and player Alessia Russo spoke to media at Wembley Stadium. A relief for England fans will be that Lucy Bronze, subbed off at half time against Portugal as a precaution, is fit for the game.
Asked about England’s current form and the criticism they have received over recent months, Wiegman reiterated that “we are aware of that” but that they “try to play our best every single game”, reflecting that since the introduction of the Nations League, “no game is going to be easy anymore, the world has changed. We are adapting.”
Is revenge part of the equation?
Russo and Wiegman were also asked if the game provided an opportunity for revenge. Wiegman was emphatic with her reply: “no, I don’t see it as revenge, I just see it as another game”. Perhaps a key part this message is about the need for realistic expectations. Since winning the Euros and reaching the world cup final, England have struggled to live up to the expectations of the media and public.
This is in part due to the growth of women’s football. It has developed rapidly in this time, both in terms of investment and technical ability, and it is not as easy to dominate an opponent anymore.
For her part, Russo spoke of the new talent in this Lionesses squad, suggesting that the inclusion of new players brings with it a “new opportunity” to prove themselves against one of the best teams in the world.
The need for social justice
The duo were inevitably also asked about recent news that Luis Rubiales has been found guilty of the sexual assault of Spanish player Jenni Hermoso, but acquitted of coercion. Wiegman has been a consistent supporter of the Spanish team in their quest for justice – even dedicating her UEFA Coach of the Year award to the Spanish players in 2023. She reiterated today that Spain are showing “resilience and bravery”, and that “we have to keep telling the world that we stand in solidarity with them”.
Russo echoed this sentiment. “We have stood in solidarity with them since it began”, adding that “it’s a testament to the players to speak out but still keep performing at the level they are”.
Both Wiegman and Russo spoke of the need for these events to be instigators of change, and their hope that in the future, discussions such as these would not require time in a space for football.
The bigger picture
During the conference, it did not go amiss that the two teams involved are likely favourites for gold in the European Championships this summer. Whilst this Nations League has the ultimate goal of creating a more competitive environment for lower-ranked teams to grow from playing against top opposition, it brings with it the opportunity for blockbuster fixtures that are competitive but do not mean that much for the teams involved. In an era for England where criticism is rife and expectations are high, it is fitting that Wiegman commented “we are not playing football to beat the critics” – her eyes are firmly on this summer.
Check out our Instagram page to see Jess Garside’s EXCLUSIVE photos for Impetus from Lionesses training at Wembley Stadium – go to @ImpetusFootball
Follow Impetus on social media –
Twitter (X): @impetusfootball TikTok: @impetusfootball
Instagram: @impetusfootball
impetusfootball.org 