Sarina Wiegman Makes Changes to England Team for Denmark Match
In their second group match of the Women’s World Cup, England’s head coach Sarina Wiegman has made two changes to the starting lineup. The team will face Denmark on Friday evening, and Wiegman is hoping these changes will bring a much-needed boost to their performance.
The first change sees forward Rachel Daly being recalled at left-back. Daly, who was the top-scorer in the 2022-23 WSL season, previously played in this position during the 2022 Euros. This move allows Alex Greenwood, who played left-back against Haiti, to slide inside to centre-back. Jess Carter, who played in the previous match, has been dropped from the starting lineup.
In the attacking department, Lauren James has been given her first tournament start, replacing Lauren Hemp on the left-wing. James had an outstanding season for Chelsea and was awarded the WSL Young Player of the Year last season. Ella Toone, despite having a quiet game against Haiti, retains her place at No 10.
These changes come after England’s lackluster performance in their opening game against Haiti, where they secured a narrow 1-0 victory. The Lionesses struggled to find the back of the net from open play, extending their goal drought to 337 minutes. Wiegman believes it is crucial for the team to show more “ruthlessness” and make the most of their attacking opportunities.
It is worth noting that in last summer’s successful European Championship campaign, Wiegman did not make a single change to the starting lineup. However, after analyzing the team’s performance and identifying areas for improvement, she has decided to take action and make adjustments.
The England XI for the match against Denmark will consist of Earps in goal, with Bronze, Bright, Greenwood, and Daly forming the defensive line. Stanway and Walsh will control the midfield, while Kelly, Toone, James, and Russo will lead the attack.
Fans and pundits are eagerly awaiting the outcome of these changes and whether they will have a positive impact on England’s performance. Wiegman’s decision to shake up the starting lineup shows her determination to find the right balance and maximize the team’s potential in this crucial tournament.
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