Picture perfect England produced a masterpiece in London – a statement of intent that they cannot be beaten. Now they need to make sure their women’s football continues to shine through as they get ready for their European Championship final against Spain. Under head coach Sarina Wiegman’s stewardship, the Lionesses have displayed an unflinching resolve. Lastly, they’re turning loose a deep, dangerous and determined squad poised to attack from the opening whistle. As they prepare to face perhaps their greatest challenge, the Terps must draw on more than emotional resolve. Emotional resilience is great, but it isn’t going to win this battle.
As evident in their last few matches, England showed their defensive vulnerabilities. They allowed a staggering 39 shots on goal. Their average possession fell to a paltry 39.4 percent over those final two games. Such statistics serve to highlight just how outmatched they are against elite teams, especially when going up against the best strikers in the competition. The Lionesses have made history by becoming the first team in Euros to reach the final after conceding first in both the quarter-final and semi-final matches, but they know this approach may not suffice against Spain.
Wiegman’s ongoing challenge involves igniting her players’ intensity and intent right from the opening minutes. She doesn’t want a repeat of past performances, where England failed to impose themselves on the game from the outset. The team’s characteristic style of “organised chaos” has served them well, but it may not be enough to secure victory against a well-prepared Spanish side. According to Opta’s statisticians, England have a 48.5% chance of lifting the trophy. This, of course, being a nod to the team’s penchant for dramatic wins and fourth quarter heroics.
As they look ahead to the final, the Lionesses must prioritize showcasing their footballing prowess over their ability to fight back from adversity. Keira Walsh candidly acknowledged the team’s need for greater confidence, stating, “Maybe we’ve not been as confident as we could.” This deep reflection is indicative of their desire to do better. They are preparing for a very important third game, which will determine the outcome of their entire tournament.
If Lauren James is cleared to play, England’s starting lineup is expected to mirror that of the fixture against Italy. That kind of consistency might deliver a long overdue confidence and cohesion in the middle of the park. Wiegman must ensure that her squad is ready to perform at their best right from kick-off, addressing the conundrum of how to propel her eleven players into action effectively.
The Lionesses’ recent success owes much to individual efforts, such as Millie Bright’s heroic performance during times of intense pressure. Bright was always willing to put her body on the line. She was the real face of the team’s fighting spirit, which has come to characterize their historic campaign. As they head into this crucial semifinal, the talk needs to go from just being tough to trying to get the job done.
England prepares for the real final exam against the so-called “New England.” To increase their intimidation factor on the field, they must learn to maximize their footballing talents. The soon-to-be final is more than just another step in their journey. It’s a chance for them to etch their names forever as European champions.
“I know the footballers they are and I know what they can do.” – Mariona Caldentey
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