England’s Aims in the Women’s Nations League
England’s Lionesses, under the guidance of head coach Sarina Wiegman, are set to face Portugal and Spain in the Women’s Nations League with nothing less than two wins as their target. These matches hold significant importance, not just as preparation for the upcoming Euros in 2024, but also as crucial qualifiers for the 2027 World Cup. The last meeting between Portugal and England in July 2023 ended in a 0-0 draw, and now, the Lionesses aim to secure a more favorable outcome this time around. The game against Portugal, set to take place at the Portimao Stadium, could see the return of Nikita Parris, who was last seen in an England jersey in November 2022. The stakes are high, as group placements at the end of the Nations League will determine the teams’ positions in the European qualifiers for the 2027 World Cup, with the top two teams in each League A group retaining their place in the top league.
The Importance of the Nations League
England’s focus on the Nations League is not just about winning the tournament; it’s also about securing a strong position for the future. Wiegman emphasized the importance of these games in a recent press conference at England’s base in Albufeira, Portugal. "We’re going to approach these games to win this Nations League," she stated. "This is also important to get us in the best position for the draw, for the qualification for the World Cup. That’s a little further away, but that’s why these games are very important too." Full-back Lucy Bronze echoed her sentiments, adding, "Everyone’s always going to have one eye on the summer, that’s for sure. But as Sarina said, we are focused on one game at a time. It is important to us." The Nations League setup ensures that every game counts, and with the rapid improvement of teams around the world, the Lionesses are keen to stay ahead.
Preparing for the Euros
While the immediate focus is on the Nations League, these matches are also seen as critical preparation for the Euros, which will begin in 134 days. England’s historic victory at the 2022 Euros, where they won all six of their games, including a hard-fought quarter-final against Spain and a 2-1 victory over Germany in the final at Wembley, sets a high bar for the team. Since then, the landscape of women’s football has shifted, with Spain, now managed by Montserrat Tome, emerging as a formidable opponent. Spain’s recent success, including their 2024 Women’s Nations League win and their World Cup final triumph over England, has raised the stakes for the Lionesses. The team is eager to demonstrate their readiness and resilience, especially after mixed results in recent international fixtures, including a 4-3 loss to Germany at Wembley.
Learning from Past Experiences
The recent results, while not all positive, provide valuable lessons for the team. Bronze reflected on the 2024 season, stating, "In 2024, maybe some results didn’t go our way. The most important thing is when we get to the summer, that’s when we want to make sure we’re performing for that tournament (the Euros). In 2024 we gained a lot of experience, whether it was good or bad. We learned a lot from that, which is going to give us a bit more of an edge." The team’s ability to adapt and learn from each challenge will be crucial in their journey to retain their European title.
Filling the Void Left by Georgia Stanway
One significant challenge for the Lionesses is the absence of Georgia Stanway, a key midfielder who has been instrumental in their recent success. Stanway, who suffered a collateral ligament tear in her right knee, is out for several months, leaving Wiegman with the task of finding suitable replacements. Stanway’s influence is evident in her consistent performances and her crucial goal against Spain in the 2022 Euros. In her absence, Grace Clinton is a strong contender for the number eight role. Clinton made a strong impression on her senior international debut last February, scoring within 19 minutes of her first start. Other potential options include captain Leah Williamson and Leicester’s Ruby Mace. Wiegman emphasized the team’s flexibility, stating, "We have a lot of things in consideration and you’ll see who we’ll pick. Of course, we think about many, many scenarios, what the options are, and at the end, we’ll pick one."
Looking Ahead
The Lionesses’ journey in the Women’s Nations League and their preparation for the 2024 Euros is a testament to their determination and adaptability. With a strong focus on the present and an eye on the future, England is determined to overcome the challenges ahead and maintain their position as one of the top teams in women’s football. The upcoming matches against Portugal and Spain will be critical tests, and the team is ready to rise to the occasion.
