Sarina Wiegman, head coach of the England women’s national football team, just recently dropped some newfound fire. These changes have been announced ahead of this Saturday’s friendly against Brazil at the Etihad Stadium. Wiegman’s two years to get ready for the World Cup. Regardless of how many key players from the team may be lost to injuries or withdrawals, Theresa must lean on the veterans.
Hannah Hampton and Lotte Wubben-Moy are both out of the match entirely. Hampton is out with a small elbow injury, Wubben-Moy went home sick and was recovering. Leah Williamson is still on the road back from injury as well and she will be checked on Tuesday, per Wiegman.
Team Leadership and Captaincy
To replace these absences, Wiegman took a risk. She selected Keira Walsh as her captain for the friendly against Brazil.
“Keira (Walsh) will be the captain tomorrow.” – Sarina Wiegman
Wiegman further revealed that Alex Greenwood is a member of the leadership group. She told SFR that when Williamson is out, Walsh takes over as captain.
“Alex (Greenwood) is in the captain’s group, but when Leah’s not available, Keira’s the captain.” – Sarina Wiegman
Wiegman praised Walsh’s strong leadership qualities, pointing out how she helped the team both on and off the pitch.
“Her consistency and the way she expresses herself, or conducts herself, on the pitch and off the pitch… she’s so tough and she makes such a huge contribution.” – Sarina Wiegman
Team Adjustments and New Additions
Join the England squad and discover their exciting new talent! In light of William, Bronze and Toone’s absence, Wiegman has called up Grace Fisk and Jess Naz for replacement. This decision makes perfect sense with her plan to lean on the veterans with experience and gradually infuse new, young talent into the team framework.
As far as goalkeeping options, Wiegman is not short on candidates to step up for Hampton’s role. Khiara Keating, Anna Moorhouse and Sophie Baggaley are three strong deputies waiting in the wings, all of ’em ready to go.
Wiegman expressed confidence in her team’s depth, stating that players like Lucy Bronze are available and are still building up their match fitness.
“Lucy Bronze is available and she’s still building. As always, she’s ready to start. Whether she’s going to start, you’ll see tomorrow.” – Sarina Wiegman
Taylor Hinds, on the left flank, or Grace Fisk, on the right may be making their defensive trio debut against Brazil. This latest move underscores Wiegman’s willingness to invest in new talent as she builds her longer-term vision for the team.
Preparing for Future Challenges
With only two years until the World Cup, Wiegman is aware of the need to combine experience with youth. The next match against Brazil will be a major chance for players to demonstrate their readiness for the next World Cup cycle and other grand international competitions.
Wiegman’s priority continues to be creating an environment that helps the team feel close together while continuing to track the rehabilitation of injured players. She emphasized the need to continue pushing evaluation on injured players such as Hampton and Williamson to see if they can help with future window matches.
“Hannah Hampton is not available for tomorrow. She has a small elbow injury. She’ll be assessed and we’ll see how that goes on Tuesday.” – Sarina Wiegman
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