The English team is incomprehensible without Sarina Wiegman, capable of transforming the talent potential of a country that has always been at its doorstep into an absolute and historical success. Recent European ChampionsThe ‘Lions’ will try to become a legendary team if they win the double crown in just thirteen months.
Intense work carried out in recent years to create a professional structure suitable for the development of Women’s Football is bearing fruit. and what happened last year Eurocup, Of course, it was no coincidence that it was the best organized women’s football tournament in recent times and even in history.
Invest in sub-categories, improving the club structure, improving the daily lives of players. But they’re also placing a huge bet on Sarina, a coach from the Netherlands who built a European champion and world runner-up team and had never fought for the title before her arrival and never fought again. Since their arrival, the ‘Lions’ have set a stratospheric record with two finals, 30 wins, 7 draws and a single loss, thus creating the winning mentality that is one of the main characteristics of this group, which is Spain’s final opponent. World.
1. Reinvent yourself after the injury of three important parts
Before the start of the World Cup, and even in the first two games with minimal wins against Haiti and Denmark, there were doubts about England. Three of his key pieces were missing the tournament. First, their captain: Leah Williamson, who tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her knee in April. His hierarchy is fundamental because of his leadership, sending the ball and the organization of the game, as Sarina didn’t have many other options in the left-footed middle position. Second, Beth Mead is the top scorer in the last Euro Cup and the current Silver Ball. And third, Fran Kirby, difference in attack. Three delicate losses recorded in the team’s play, but with tactical changes in some cases and the depth of the squad in others, Wiegman has managed to reinvent himself.
2. System change
The first two games mentioned in the group stage brought to light several shortcomings in the English team, such as lack of fluency in the game and weak defensive security. It was against China when they went 3-5-2 with Lucy Bronze and Rachel Daly on the wing. And strengthening the defense with Jess Carter and Alex Greenwood as center backs on a three-point system is when the team gives the team the most sense of balance and security.
Although have more balls than the opponent In all duels, there was no dominance in the middle of the field, as in the Eurocup. In fact, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, and Ella Toone featured very little.
3. Offensive power
Mead, without Kirby or the retired Ellen White, consisted of semi-final trident Ella Toone, Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp. Incredible offensive capacity and lots of punches. Probably the team with the most offensive resources in the entire championship. And if those three don’t work out, Sarina has alternatives too: the hero of the Eurocup final, Chloe Kelly, the outstanding Lauren James, who can play again after being suspended for two games after throwing herself in the round. Bethany England was the 16th finalist and her goal scorer.
4. Competitive character
A huge headache for opposing coaches when planning the match. In any situation or context that arises, this competitive gene, that is, they never leave the match, they adapt, they survive, and they somehow win. They can crush the opponent thanks to their athletic abilities, rhythm or punches, but when they are dominated they are not disturbed, they know how to suffer and punish their opponent for the slightest mistake. It’s also good for them to have nothing and everything to be decided in an isolated game or set pieces. They always win with the experience of being ahead.
5. Locker room association
Last and not least, mingling in the locker room, both between players and with the coach. In their spare time, they engage in joint activities, admiring each other and overflowing with praise.
And they all adore Sarina, without whose stamp at the end nothing is understood.