Sarina Wiegman: England ‘Want to Do Better’ Ahead of Spain Challenge

England Prepare for Spain Clash in Women’s Nations League

England’s national women’s football team, led by head coach Sarina Wiegman, is gearing up for a crucial encounter against Spain in the Women’s Nations League this Wednesday at Wembley Stadium. Following a 1-1 draw against Portugal, the Lionesses are eager to improve their performance and secure a victory against the current world champions.

Sarina Wiegman Demands Improvement from England Squad

Reflecting on their match against Portugal, Sarina Wiegman emphasized that her team must strive for a better performance. “We work really hard and we try to play our best every game,” she stated in a pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

“We review every game and look for areas where we can improve. Tomorrow, we want to show progress and be at our best.”

England had a promising first half against Portugal but failed to capitalize on their dominance, allowing Kika Nazareth to equalize with a stunning strike. This has led to criticism of England’s current form, with many questioning whether they can maintain the same level of play that took them to the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023.

England Adapting to Changes Ahead of Euros 2024

Despite external criticism, Sarina Wiegman remains confident in her team’s ability to adapt and evolve. The Lionesses are currently in the process of integrating new players and adjusting to a changing landscape in women’s football.

“We have evolved. You can’t compare this team to the one that won the Euros in 2022 or played in the World Cup final in 2023,” Sarina Wiegman explained. “There are many new players coming in, and the game itself has changed. The level of competition has increased with the introduction of the Nations League, and we need to keep adapting and improving.”

England’s primary goal remains clear – to be fully prepared to defend their European title in Switzerland this summer. With an evolving squad and increased competition, Sarina Wiegman acknowledges the challenges but remains focused on building consistency and momentum.

A Rematch of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Final

England’s next challenge is a highly anticipated showdown against Spain at Wembley Stadium. This will be the first meeting between the two nations since Spain defeated England 1-0 in the 2023 Women’s World Cup final, with Olga Carmona scoring the only goal of the match.

Recognizing the significance of this game, Sarina Wiegman admitted, “It is absolutely a big game. Right now, every game is important because teams are improving so quickly. Tomorrow will be another exciting challenge, and we are looking forward to it.”

Spain’s Recent Struggles Give England an Opportunity

While Spain remains a formidable opponent, they have shown vulnerabilities in recent months. Their performances leading up to this match have been inconsistent, with draws against Italy and Canada and a narrow 3-2 victory over Belgium in the Nations League last Friday.

Sarina Wiegman believes England can exploit Spain’s weaknesses if they approach the game with patience and precision. “Spain are very comfortable on the ball and love to dominate possession,” she observed. “At times, we will have to be patient and wait for the right moments to press and win the ball back. But we also know that we can take advantage of the space they leave behind. That’s something we’ll look to capitalize on.”

Sarina Wiegman Focused on Performance, Not Criticism

As England faces scrutiny over their recent form, Sarina Wiegman made it clear that her team’s focus is on their own progress rather than external opinions.

“We’re not playing football to silence the critics,” she stated. “Our objective is to win games. We focus on what we can control and try to be at our best every time we step onto the pitch.”

Sarina Wiegman also highlighted the importance of consistency and maintaining momentum throughout the game. “Sometimes things go well, sometimes they don’t. Our job is to remain level-headed and continue working on our game. That’s the key to success.”

England vs. Spain: A Test of Strength and Strategy

With the Lionesses determined to improve and Spain still searching for top form, this match is set to be a fascinating contest. The last meeting between these two teams ended in heartbreak for England, but they now have a chance to avenge their World Cup final loss and reaffirm their status as one of the world’s best teams.

Under Sarina Wiegman’s leadership, England will be aiming to show progress, resilience, and tactical discipline as they take on the world champions at Wembley Stadium. Can the Lionesses rise to the challenge and secure a vital victory in the Women’s Nations League? Football fans worldwide will be watching closely.