Sarina Wiegman hopes selecting an experienced 23-player squad will help England escape tough waters after losing two of their first four UEFA Nations League games, which has also left qualification for the 2024 Olympics hanigng by a thread.
The formidable England manager was dealt her toughest test last month, suffering a crushing 3-2 defeat against Belgium — a third loss in the last five games including the World Cup final — and leaving the team's hopes for reaching the inaugural Nations League finals, and in turn, the Olympics in tatters.
But Wiegman believes that England's last performance was not indicative of the squad's ability.
«I think we still do good things, but we have to do better in moments in games and be more ruthless,» she said. «The last result was not a reflection of us, now we are in a situation where we need wins.
To complete their Nations League campaign, the Lionesses face the Netherlands at Wembley before travelling north of the border to face Scotland. Topping the group they currently sit third in is not only crucial to progressing in this competition, but to reach the Olympics — only the two finalists (excluding hosts France) will book their place in Paris next summer and England are a proxy for Great Britain.
»Our approach will not change, we will refuel, the process we do will not be a lot different. We just need to do better in moments in the game. We just have to be aware on the counter attack too," Wiegman explained as she aims for better results.
«I'm really looking forward to playing at Wembley, and eager to get a result.»
But it will be no easy feat to progress. England have to beat the Netherlands by a least two goals and hope Belgium drop points in the process. There is also matter of
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