In a surprising turn of events at Wembley Stadium, Sarina Wiegman’s England women’s national football team suffered a humbling defeat at the hands of their German counterparts. The loss not only dealt a blow to the team’s morale but also raised questions about Wiegman’s team selection, which seemed to prioritize loyalty over current form.
Favouring the Familiar Over the Firing
Throughout her tenure, Wiegman has been known for her emphasis on selecting players who consistently perform well for their clubs. However, her starting lineup against Germany told a different story. The Dutch manager opted for a lineup that closely resembled the one that clinched the European Championship title in 2022, with only four changes, two of which were enforced by retirements and injury.
This decision left some of England’s most in-form players watching from the sidelines. Maya Le Tissier, who has been a rock at the heart of Manchester United’s defense this season, and Alex Greenwood, integral to Manchester City’s recent triumph over Barcelona, were both overlooked. Similarly, Grace Clinton, the standout young star of the WSL campaign, was left to wonder what more she could have done to earn a starting spot.
The Perils of Loyalty
While Wiegman’s loyalty to her established players is admirable, it may have come at a cost. The partnership of Leah Williamson and Millie Bright at the heart of defense struggled against Germany’s attack, raising questions about whether they should have started based on their recent form. As a source close to the team noted:
“It’s not about lambasting individual players, but when you have talents like Le Tissier and Greenwood waiting in the wings, you have to wonder if Wiegman’s loyalty blinded her to other options.”
A Wake-Up Call for Wiegman?
The defeat against Germany should serve as a wake-up call for Wiegman. While her tried-and-tested players have served England well in the past, football is an ever-evolving game, and form can fluctuate. As the team looks ahead to next summer’s Euros, Wiegman must be willing to adapt and give opportunities to those who are shining at the club level.
The upcoming friendlies against South Africa and beyond provide the perfect platform for experimentation and rotation. Wiegman must use these opportunities wisely, giving the likes of Le Tissier, Clinton, and Greenwood the chance to prove their worth on the international stage. Only by embracing change and rewarding current form can England hope to build a squad capable of defending their European crown.
Lessons Learned, Future Focused
The loss to Germany, while disappointing, can be a valuable learning experience for Wiegman and her team. It serves as a reminder that no one’s place in the starting lineup is guaranteed, and that form, rather than past achievements, should be the primary consideration when selecting a team.
As England looks to bounce back and maintain their status as one of the world’s best women’s football teams, Wiegman must be bold in her decision-making. She must foster a competitive environment where players are constantly pushing each other to be at their best, knowing that their performances at the club level will be rewarded with international opportunities.
The road to the Euros is long, and there will undoubtedly be bumps along the way. However, if Wiegman can learn from this setback, adapt her approach, and give England’s in-form players the chances they deserve, the Lionesses will be well-positioned to roar once again on the international stage.
