England: Sarina Wiegman has more questions to answer as gamechangers rescue Lionesses at Women's Euros

Yahoo

3 days ago

It tells you everything about this quarter-final that, afterwards, Sarina Wiegman admitted she thought England were going home on at least three separate occasions.
England have enjoyed some dramatic and historic nights during Wiegman's tenure, but it is hard to recall one quite like this.
Indeed, before Thursday, no team had ever come from two goals down to win a knockout game at a Women's Euros.
The manner of England's victory over Sweden made it all the more remarkable.
For 70 minutes, Wiegman's side were abject. Slow and off the pace, England could not handle the intensity of the game as they clung on for dear life.
In truth, had it not been for Hannah Hampton, this tie would have been over long before the bench came to England's rescue.
Wiegman deserves credit for how she changed the game with her substitutes. The Lionesses switched to a back three in defence as they went for broke, and it worked.
The substitutes were at the heart of the goals, with Chloe Kelly's brilliant cross headed home by Lucy Bronze.
Beth Mead then found Michelle Agyemang and, in the space of two minutes, England had turned the game on its head.
After that, anything seemed possible - and the penalty shootout was scarcely believable.
To sum up the chaotic nature of it, nine of the 14 spot-kicks were missed. Sweden's goalkeeper, Jennifer Falk, saved three in succession before blasting her own penalty over the bar when presented with the chance to win it.
Fittingly, the decisive penalty was scored by Bronze simply putting her foot through the ball and smashing it into the roof of the net.
'That's a quality that is so strong in this team, that togetherness and fighting back,' said Wiegman. 'It shows so much resilience.
'I don't know why but this team is just incredible. They stick together. That is so powerful from this team. Then there is luck as well, yes, at least three times I thought we were out.'
England are through, however, and now Wiegman must turn her attention to a semi-final showdown with Italy on Tuesday.
The Lionesses will go into that tie as clear favourites, but there are issues that Wiegman must address.
Even if England overcome Italy, they will have little chance against the likes of France or Spain in the final if they deliver a performance like this one against Sweden.
England's issues were not new. The left side of the defence has been a long-standing concern throughout Wiegman's reign.
Three years ago, Rachel Daly - a striker and top scorer in the Women's Super League two seasons ago - was the solution as she filled in at left-back.
Sweden, like France before them, targeted the left side of England's defence. Wiegman eventually swapped centre-backs Jess Carter and Leah Williamson round, deploying the latter on the left, but by then England were already 2–0 down.
They stick together. That is so powerful from this team. Then there is luck as well, yes, at least three times I thought we were out
Sarina Wiegman
England looked more solid when they moved to a back three and Wiegman will be tempted to start like that against Italy.
Williamson limping off with an ankle injury complicates matters, though, as does Bronze requiring hamstring strapping to finish Thursday's match.
Another perennial problem occurred last night, with Keira Walsh swamped in midfield and her influence reduced.
The introduction of Kelly and Mead helped as England shifted play wide instead of forcing it through the middle.
Both wingers could justifiably start on Tuesday, although Wiegman will be tempted to keep them on the bench. Having such firepower in reserve is a luxury few other sides enjoy.
And then, there is Agyemang. Before this, the 19-year-old had played 14 minutes of international football.
The Arsenal striker looked at home on the big stage, however, and she caused chaos alongside Russo with her pace and power.
As with Kelly and Mead, she has made a strong case to start against Italy - especially if Wiegman opts to play in a 3-4-1-2 formation.
Wiegman has plenty to ponder and she has, historically, always found the answers. There are many questions still to answer before Tuesday, though, and precious little time to do so.