Wants to lead her team to the World Cup semi-finals: England coach Sarina Wiegman Photo: AP
Sarina Wiegman is the last coach at this women’s World Cup. Tactically, some Englishmen trust her more than men’s national coach Gareth Southgate. But there are also critical voices.
Sarina Wiegman could use the red card like a nail in the knee. It was the final stages of the World Cup round of 16 between England and Nigeria when young attacking player Lauren James was sent off for a stupid kick in an opponent’s back. With the score at 0-0, the already weakened English women were now only ten, struggled through extra time and finally won on penalties. When Wiegman found her laugh afterwards, she said she’d just aged ten years.
England’s national team manager is the center of attention at this tournament, even more than usual. She is missing key players who were the pillars of the European Championship victory a year ago: captain Leah Williamson, European Championship top scorer Beth Mead and playmaker Fran Kirby are injured; Jill Scott and Ellen White have retired from the national team. Midfield strategist Keira Walsh was injured in the second group game against Denmark. Wiegman, who relies on rhythm and continuity in tournaments, was forced to experiment.
