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So what happened against Brazil? The Canarinhas came out at the Etihad Stadium quickly and they were 2-0 up within 18 minutes as the Lionesses’s makeshift defence struggled with the pace of Ludmilla, Zaneratto and Dudinha. Angelina was sent off in the 21st minute and naturally, the visitor’s gameplan changed, approaching the rest of the match more timidly.
Despite the player advantage, England struggled. They registered three shots on target and four big chances, both stats the same as their opponents despite having 70% possession.
Both Suzanne Wrack and Sophie Downey were in Manchester to see England’s loss first-hand and both voiced that there is little cause for concern … yet.
But continuing weaknesses have to be a focus for Wiegman and her new cohort of assistants to try to rectify before qualification begins for the 2027 World Cup next spring. This game may turn out to be a blessing in disguise, a red flag against complacency and a reminder that lifting silverware on the international stage does not automatically fix endemic problems. If England can figure out that side of their game, there is no doubt that with the quality of personnel available, this team could push the levels of their success even higher than they have previously done.
Read Sophie’s full analysis below.
Preamble
Sound the alarms, England are in crisis mode … is what we would say if we were to take the Lionesses 2-1 loss to 10-player Brazil on Saturday at face value (and even then, saying the above would be quite the stretch).
But, as Sarina Wiegman has repeatedly stressed, England are in experimental mode as early ground work begins for the 2027 World Cup. The manager knows the squad she relied on to win back-to-back European Championship titles will be different in 18 months’ time and is using these friendlies as a chance to see what works and what does not.
With all that being said, Wiegman and the players have also said that the habit of winning is important to maintain. It did not work against Brazil but a new test awaits today at Pride Park in Derby.
Australia have had a rocky few months and this England match is part of their preparation for their home Asian Cup in March. Joe Montemurro was hired four months ago after a string of disappointing results, including at the Paris Olympics. Sam Kerr returned after a 725-day absence and the Matildas will surely be a big vengeful. The last time the sides faced each other was at the semi-finals of the 2023 World Cup, a 3-1 England win.
Much to look forward to and discuss. Kick-off is at 7pm GMT / 6am AEDT. As always, feel free to send your thoughts, questions, predictions and judgments on Wiegman’s tactics my way via email.
