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.
The exhaustion of England’s players, having participated in three consecutive tournaments, has a silver lining in the form of a summer off. Coach Sarina Wiegman emphasises the need for rest, acknowledging the players are not robots, but rules out sacrificing a major tournament for it.
Looking ahead, Wiegman plans to use the time to experiment and rebuild the team for the Euros in Switzerland in 2025. The absence of Nations League finals and Olympic preparations opens up opportunities for friendlies and strategic planning.
The article underscores the importance of addressing team dynamics, testing fringe players, and building cohesive relationships within the squad to avoid the pitfalls experienced in the recent campaign.
