Euro 2022 Preview: Why Sarina Wiegman's Lionesses Are Legitimate Contenders
England’s preparations for the 2022 Women’s Euros are complete: Sarina Wiegman’s side blew Belgium, the Netherlands, and Switzerland away in pre-tournament friendlies and return from their training camp in high spirits.
And that is understandable. The Lionesses are one of the favourites to win the competition, even without accounting for the home-field advantage they will enjoy this summer.
“We’ve shown we can win against different and difficult opponents,” Weigman explained last month. “I think, as a team, we’ve grown really fast.”
It is hard to disagree with the 52-year-old from The Hague.
England’s Key Player and Squad:
Although the Lionesses were on the climb before her arrival, they have stepped up a level under Wiegman’s direction and have a new captain in Arsenal’s Leah Williamson.
But that hardly scratches the surface of England’s transformation since the departure of Phil Neville. This squad is younger, faster, and more dangerous than any of its foremothers.
Lauren Hemp is the team’s rising star. Still only 21, she broke into the Women’s Super League before sitting her GCSEs and led Bristol City in scoring (7) during her rookie season. Her fine form captured the attention of the division’s top clubs, with Manchester City winning the race to sign the dynamic winger in 2018.
Hemp performed excellently for City last season, contributing 10 goals and six assists in 22 league appearances, and her advanced stats are outstanding. According to FBREF, she generated 0.47 non-penalty expected goals (npxG) and 0.37 expected assists (xA) per 90 last term. Absurd.
Born in Bristol, the 5’4” winger is a constant threat on the transition, averaging a league-leading 10.02 progressive carries per 90. (As shown above.)
“There aren’t too many players that get me off my seat, but Lauren Hemp is one,” former England standout Kelly Smith told The Guardian. “When she gets the ball, she makes things happen. She dribbles so fast: she’s lethal.”
Hemp’s status as England’s starting left-winger is locked in as a result.
But her situation is unique. Wiegman has several selection dilemmas to settle before the tournament begins on Wednesday [6 July], including where to position her new captain.
Williamson, a centre-back for her club, is primed to start in central midfield, with Millie Bright expected to partner Alex Greenwood in defence.
While Lucy Bronze, whose transfer to FC Barcelona was announced last week, is the obvious choice at right-back, the situation is murkier on the opposite side. Jess Carter is in pole position to complete England’s defence but faces still competition from Demi Stokes.
There are also loose ends for Wiegman to address in midfield. Aside from Jill Scott, who will play the role of supporting veteran, and Fran Kirby, who is racing to return to fitness, anyone could start on matchday one against Austria.
That said, my picks are Georgia Stanway and Keira Walsh (in lieu of Kirby).
After recovering from Covid-19, Ellen White will lead the line for England, leaving Chole Kelly and Beth Mead battling over the final place in Wiegman’s front three.
It’s a tossup between Mary Earps and Ellie Roebuck in net.
England’s Tactical Approach:
Wiegman is a tinkerer: she is not shy when it comes to making changes on the fly.
However, she will apply three principles throughout the tournament: building from defence, wing play, and counter-pressing. While the first point speaks for itself (the Lionesses have played out from the back for years) the other tenants of England’s approach are worth digging into.
Width is critical for Wiegman; not only because her most dynamic player – Hemp – plays on the left flank. Stretching the pitch as wide as possible facilitates positional rotation, creating pockets of space for playmakers to thrive in.
Crossing is a significant source of England’s scoring threat; playing wide helps.
Wiegman’s Lionesses are also ruthless pressers. They are extremely effective at winning possession in the final third and hunt the ball aggressively whenever possible, supported by a high defensive line.
England’s Weak Point:
In their final pre-tournament friendly, England were bogged down in central areas against Switzerland – which has been a theme of Wiegman’s tenure. If the Lionesses are thwarted on the flanks, their ineffectiveness down the middle could become a serious issue.
In fairness, England dominated Switzerland’s tired legs in the second half.
However, there are reasons to believe they will find a solution during the Euros: skill adapts, and their set-play dominance will help drag them out of trouble.
Final Verdict on England:
Euro 2022 is difficult to call: (at least) six teams harbour realistic expectations of reaching the final, including the Lionesses.
It won’t be plain sailing for England – a quarter-final tie with Spain (the outright favourites) or Germany (the five-time champions) is on the cards if they advance from Group A – but they have more than enough talent to mount a serious title challenge.
Sleeping on the hosts would be unwise.
England — Euro 2022 Squad:
Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (Manchester United), Hannah Hampton (Aston Villa), Ellie Roebuck (Manchester City).
Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Rachel Daly (Houston Dash), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Demi Stokes (Manchester City), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal).
Midfielders: Fran Kirby (Chelsea), Jill Scott (Free agent), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Manchester City), Leah Williamson (Arsenal).
Forwards: Bethany England (Chelsea), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Nikita Parris (Arsenal), Alessia Russo (Manchester United), Ellen White (Manchester City).