Sarina Weigman not panicked about England’s performance but admits that they have ‘lots to work on’ afterwards.
Sarina Weigman insists England are “moving forwards” and said she was “not concerned” by their disappointing run of form.
At half time, there was a similar lacklustre vibe, even though it looked like England was headed for a strong start to their Women’s Nations League campaign against Portugal.
With five months until they try to defend their championship at Euro 2025, the Lionesses appear to be far from their best as they have only won two of their past six games.
England had a great start and dominated the first half after Alessia Russo’s goal in the fifteenth minute.
However, England had to settle for a 1-1 draw after Portugal replacement Kika Nazareth took advantage of a period of pressure from the home team to equalise in the second half.
Millie Bright, a defender, acknowledged that there is “lots to work on” and that England’s performance has previously declined in the second half.
Is there enough evidence to indicate that England is headed in the right direction, or is there cause for concern?
Portugal had won their last ten games going into the match; they hadn’t suffered a loss since a close 1-0 loss to France in December 2023.
Despite being 18 spots lower than England in the FIFA world rankings, they should not be taken lightly.
When things first started in Portugal, England didn’t appear to mind that they were missing important players like Lauren Hemp, Beth Mead, Alex Greenwood, and Georgia Stanway due to injury.
Russo maintained her excellent goal-scoring form to put England ahead, full-back Lucy Bronze was a threat on the right side, and Manchester United midfielder Grace Clinton well filled Stanway’s position.
Wiegman’s team appeared to be in total control, controlling play and distributing the ball well.
However, they did not capitalise and did not maintain their lead, which ultimately cost them dearly.
“I think when it’s just 1-0 you keep a team in it and the longer it stays 1-0 the more the opposition gets confidence,” Bright told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“We definitely need to be more ruthless in front of goal and take our chances. We need to create a few more as well.”
That was a message repeated by Wiegman, who called for more ruthlessness.
“In the second half I was scratching my head thinking it’s a different team,” said former England midfielder Karen Carney on ITV.
“The basics went and that’s when you get punished. There are lessons to be learnt.”