Wiegman Seizes Promising Chance Following Olympic Setback
England’s women’s football team is ready to put the disappointment of missing out on Olympic qualification behind them as they focus on defending their European title. Manager Sarina Wiegman is confident that her team has moved on from their setback and is looking forward to the upcoming non-competitive fixtures against Austria and Italy as part of their warm-weather training camp in Marbella.
Ideal Preparation for Euro 2025 Qualifying
Wiegman believes that the training camp in Marbella is the perfect preparation for the start of Euro 2025 qualifying in April. She sees it as a great opportunity to assess her players, see where everyone is at the moment, and continue their journey towards Euro qualification. The non-competitive friendlies will allow Wiegman to try out new things and test her team against tough opponents like Austria.
Assessing England’s Future Talent
In a new development, England’s under-23s have joined the senior squad in Spain for the first time. This gives Wiegman the chance to assess England’s future talent and see how they can potentially compete with the seniors in the squad. Bristol City defender Naomi Layzell was called up to first team training, and Wiegman believes it’s a positive step for English football to see young players getting exposure at this level.
Addressing Concerns about Player Welfare
Wiegman has previously raised concerns about the football calendar and the lack of rest for international players. She acknowledges that injuries are a bigger issue than just a couple of players being unavailable for friendlies. Wiegman and her team are in constant communication with clubs to manage player minutes and ensure the best possible care for their athletes. The manager also calls on UEFA and FIFA to address the issue and make changes to the calendar.
Players Want Decisions Taken Away Regarding Schedule
England midfielder Georgia Stanway echoes Wiegman’s concerns and emphasizes that players want decisions regarding the schedule to be taken away from them. Stanway believes that allowing the team above them to make the decisions would help prevent burnout and ensure the best possible preparation for Euro 2025. Despite the challenges, Stanway and her teammates are fully committed to being successful on the pitch and maintaining their European title.
Jess Park Aims to Impress
Manchester City’s Jess Park is one player hoping to make a strong impression in the upcoming friendlies. The 22-year-old has recently filled in for injured midfielder Jill Roord at City and has gained confidence from her performances. Park is eager to show what she can do in her preferred position and is grateful for the support and guidance she receives from experienced players like Lucy Bronze.
Learning from Experienced Players
Park takes inspiration from England full-back Lucy Bronze and values the opportunity to learn from her and other experienced players in the squad. She believes that their knowledge and advice have helped her grow as a player and gain valuable experience. Park, who has progressed from the under-23s, is excited to be part of the senior squad and is ready to contribute to England’s success.
Conclusion
England’s women’s football team is determined to move on from their Olympic setback and focus on defending their European title. Manager Sarina Wiegman sees the upcoming non-competitive friendlies as ideal preparation for Euro 2025 qualifying, allowing her to assess players and try out new strategies. The inclusion of England’s under-23s provides an opportunity to evaluate future talent, while concerns about player welfare and scheduling are being addressed by Wiegman and her team. Players like Jess Park are eager to impress, drawing inspiration from experienced teammates like Lucy Bronze. With a strong commitment to success, England’s women are ready to face any challenges that come their way.