England find their form in final game – the historic but heartbreaking year for the Lionesses
As Lucy Bronze headed in England’s sixth goal against Scotland, the Lionesses believed in the 93rd minute they had booked the squad spot in the finals of the inaugural Women’s Nations League.
As the final whistle blew, England had no time to celebrate, they huddled around waiting to hear the results of the other game – the Netherlands vs Belgium. In the final moments, the Netherlands scored again, meaning it would be the Dutch topping the group and making the next stage. They had gone top of the group on goal difference, just one goal.
The loss also means Team GB will miss the opportunity to compete in the Paris Olympics next summer, as the Nations League served as a qualifying competition, and England needed to top Group A1 to secure a chance.
After a rocky start to the campaign, earlier mistakes ultimately proved costly. But there are positives to take away from the final two Nations League games. They had gone 2-0 down in the Wembley game but in the second half turned it around and scored 3. That gripping comeback against the Dutch and their dominant display against Scotland saw them back in fine form. It also showed England’s resilience.
Critics may question the circumstances surrounding Olympic qualification, but England’s ruthless attacking performance against Scotland demonstrated their focus. They found their form again, it was just too late.
It’s been a whirlwind few years for the Lionesses. They achieved remarkable success – from winning the Euros in 2022, winning the Finalissima to reaching the 2023 Women’s World Cup final.
‘Time to refocus’
England will need to let go of the disappointment quickly, whilst Olympic football for the women’s game is far bigger than for the men’s, England will have a free summer that will allow them to recover after two very busy two years.
Now they won’t be at the Olympics, the England squad will not have another major tournament for two years – the Euros 2025. They must not let that interrupt the team’s momentum.
The free summer could prove vital. It’ll allow Sarina Wiegman to try out some newer players and experiment with her squad.
With talented younger players emerging while senior players approach the twilight of their careers, now is the time to build the succession plan.
It may be disappointing to not be heading to the Olympics, but it’s important to remember, that, unlike countries like the USA and Germany, women’s football in England has only started to see investments in the last five years. The free summer ahead might lead to positive developments for the Lionesses in the long run.
SPORT IN FOCUS
How Lionesses went from glory to Olympics heartbreak – and why it could benefit them
The Independent reflects on the disappointment felt by the Lionesses as they failed to qualify for the Nations League finals and missed the opportunity to compete in the Paris Olympic Games. Despite recent successes, including winning the Euros in 2022 and reaching the World Cup final in 2023, the article highlights the pivotal moments in the Nations League campaign that led to the team’s downfall. It emphasises the toll of consecutive major tournaments on the players and acknowledges the need for a break, expressing optimism about the team’s future growth and resurgence on the international stage under Wiegman’s leadership.
What England and Wiegman can learn from first Nations League campaign
The Guardian says England’s failure to progress in the Nations League group and the subsequent loss of Olympic qualification for Team GB is deemed a significant disappointment. The campaign is characterised by missed opportunities and moments of regret, such as poorly conceded goals and a crucial defeat by Belgium. Despite these setbacks, there are positives to focus on, including a notable 6-0 victory against Scotland and standout performances from players like Lauren James, Lucy Bronze and Lauren Hemp.
