The Lionesses are starting to indicate their power on this competitors. Extra skilled and cohesive than the facet that reached the 2023 World Cup last, they’re rising into their function as favourites and embracing the load of expectation.
After a shaky begin in opposition to France, they responded impressively with commanding performances in opposition to the Netherlands and Wales. Whereas the Dutch is probably not the pressure they as soon as have been, that should not detract from the standard of England‘s shows.
The whole lot that went fallacious in opposition to France was corrected in these subsequent two video games. England performed with objective and depth, gained their duels, and asserted management each on and off the ball at essential moments.
In possession they linked their passes with infinitely higher accuracy and intent, and after they gained the ball again, they largely selected the appropriate choice, whether or not that was to raid ahead or be affected person and construct via the pitch. Out of possession they strangled the areas and regarded a much more compact unit.
One lingering concern, nevertheless, is how they reply to turnovers. In opposition to France, England’s midfield lacked the identical athleticism, making them weak in transition. Regardless of Ella Toone‘s introduction, that problem hasn’t totally gone away, and it will likely be important that their defensive construction stays tight.
The reshuffling on the again – with Alex Greenwood and Jess Carter swapping roles – has introduced some stability, however they continue to be untested in opposition to the form of direct, pacey broad menace that France uncovered so successfully within the opening sport.
The Lionesses are rising into their function because the favourites at this summer season’s Girls’s Euros
They’re staring down a quarter-finals conflict with Sweden as they search to retain their crown
Nonetheless, I’m fearful about how they reply to turnovers – they’re weak in transition
That is the place the Sweden could make their lives tough. They play with depth and canopy floor effectively, with an id constructed on broad play and aerial dominance.
They’ve delivered essentially the most crosses within the event to date, and Chelsea’s Johanna Rytting Kaneryd has been distinctive on the appropriate flank, persistently stretching defences and delivering harmful balls into the field.
Any ball performed in behind to Stina Blackstenius is a hazard for any defence. The Arsenal striker thrives on these runs and is a confirmed performer in large moments – as proven by her successful aim within the Girls’s Champions League last.
England might want to minimize off her provide at supply to keep away from being punished.
Sweden excel in transitional moments, particularly when opponents commit numbers ahead. That dynamic might current a critical menace to the Lionesses if they don’t seem to be disciplined of their positioning.
To counter this, England should keep compact defensively, significantly in broad areas, and apply constant stress in central zones.
If they’ll hold possession as successfully as they did in opposition to the Netherlands and Wales, they will cut back the alternatives for Sweden to interrupt with tempo.
There’s at all times a option to play in opposition to a staff with Sweden’s strengths – and that is by turning their very own transitions in opposition to them. A facet that pushes our bodies excessive inherently carries threat, and England have the attacking instruments to take advantage of that.
Any ball in behind for Stina Blackstenius might see England punished if they do not alter proper
England should keep compact defensively, apply stress in central zones, and hold possession successfully to cease Sweden from expoliting their weak spot defending counter-attacks
They continue to be in a robust spot due to Sarina Wiegman’s expertise and tactical readability
Georgia Stanway has an unbelievable engine, and far of the defensive duty from midfield will fall on her.
She’s a robust presence within the centre of the park, and if she will win the ball excessive up the pitch, she’ll be key to placing England on the entrance foot.
This staff has proven they’ll rating from anyplace on the pitch, with six totally different names on the scoresheet in opposition to Wales. That form of selection makes them harmful.
On their day, the Lionesses are able to beating anybody. And underneath the steerage of Sarina Wiegman, along with her tactical readability and big-game expertise, England stay in a robust place to proceed pushing on.
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