Sarina Wiegman's tenure as England's women's national team manager has been marked by unprecedented success, but also increasing scrutiny. While she has guided the Lionesses to a European Championship title and a World Cup final, her tactical decisions and team selections have become a constant source of debate, creating what some might call 'noise' around the team. This noise reflects the two sides of Wiegman's approach: her pragmatic adaptability versus her perceived reluctance to evolve and embrace new talent.
One of Wiegman's strengths is her tactical flexibility. She has demonstrated a willingness to change formations and personnel based on the opponent and the situation. For instance, during the 2023 World Cup, she switched to a 3-4-1-2 formation, which proved crucial in overcoming challenges. This adaptability was also evident in England's 6-1 victory over China, where Wiegman implemented a change in tactics that left the opposition confused. Her ability to identify weaknesses and adjust her approach accordingly has been a key factor in England's success. As Wiegman herself stated, her team can "adapt to situations we haven't been in before".
However, this tactical pragmatism is sometimes interpreted as a lack of long-term vision or a reluctance to deviate from a tried-and-tested formula. Wiegman has often been criticized for sticking with her preferred starting XI, even when some players are out of form or when promising youngsters are knocking on the door. This unwavering faith in her established players helped England win Euro 2022, but it also raises questions about the team's ability to evolve and stay ahead of the competition. Critics argue that Wiegman's reluctance to introduce new faces has led to a lack of depth in certain positions and a stagnation of the squad.
The recent loss to Germany, where England conceded four goals for the first time under Wiegman, has amplified these concerns. The defeat exposed tactical vulnerabilities and raised questions about whether England's approach with and without the ball was good enough. Some observers felt that the midfield was bypassed too easily, and that the team lacked energy and fresh ideas. This has led to calls for Wiegman to be more proactive in finding solutions and to give opportunities to younger players like Jess Park and Grace Clinton.
Furthermore, recent retirements and absences of key players like Mary Earps, Fran Kirby and Millie Bright have added another layer of complexity to Wiegman's challenge. While Wiegman has expressed disappointment at their departures, she has also emphasized the need to focus on the players who are available and to trust in the team's ability to adapt. She also stated that she feels comfortable with the team she has for the Euros.
Looking ahead to Euro 2025, Wiegman faces the challenge of balancing her pragmatic approach with the need for evolution. She needs to find ways to integrate new talent, address tactical weaknesses, and maintain the team's competitive edge. While Wiegman acknowledges that "there is always noise" surrounding the team, her ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial in determining whether England can continue their success and defend their European title. The upcoming games will be a test of Wiegman's leadership and her ability to silence the critics while guiding the Lionesses to new heights.
