It's all clicking for Sarina Wiegman's super subs as England's bench becomes their secret weapon, writes TARA ANSON-WALSH, ahead of quarter-final clash with Sweden
The roots of this emerged during the home Euros of 2022, when there was a clear starting XI with an attack led by Ellen White, Fran Kirby behind her in the No 10 role, and Lauren Hemp and Beth Mead occupying the flanks. And then, on the hour mark, like clockwork, Ella Toone and Alessia Russo would come on.
Wiegman's subs during the home tournament were used to great effect, particularly towards the latter stages, with Chloe Kelly 's introduction off the bench in the final against Germany securing the Lionesses' first ever piece of silverware – a moment now etched in footballing legend.
As was Russo's memorable cameo off the bench in the semi-final against – fittingly – tomorrow/tonight's opponents, Sweden. Her outrageous backheel goal inspired some fans to sport T-shirts featuring 'The Russo', illustrated like IKEA instructions. All you need is a pair of boots, a football, and a bit of nutmeg, it claims.
Today, England players maintain their praise of the Dutch coach for her communication regarding their roles, including continuing to give them clarity over whether they'll start a game or come on as substitutes – or what Wiegman calls her 'finishers'.
Wiegman stressed the importance of having adequate strength in depth, adding: 'It's important because you can bring players into the same position that have different attributes. You can change tactics a little bit while still keeping the levels up and trying to harm your opponent. It's key.'
And it has clearly worked, with England having scored 48 goals from substitutes in the 67 games under Wiegman's management – an incredible tally, with Russo claiming the largest share of the spoils with seven from the bench.
Against Sweden, an incredibly physical, athletic team, Wiegman will need to rely on her 'finishers' to step up when her starting XI – which has remained unchanged for the last two games – begin to tire.
The 'finishers' clique have created their own group chat this tournament and have been celebrating each other's achievements on the pitch with a new clicking celebration, the origins of which were revealed by Beth Mead.
'I think we underestimate how hard it can be for the bench sometimes, and players that don't get on the pitch as much,' the right-winger said. 'Before the Wales game, we were all snapping as a little bit of motivation and a little bit of energy, and we actually said if anyone came on and scored, we'd celebrate with each other to show appreciation.'
Wiegman has a considerable attacking force in this England squad and keeping everyone happy and match-ready is always a difficult line to tread.
And Kelly, who has started from the bench in all three of England's games at this tournament, insisted that despite the negative connotations of a 'clique', this one is not divisive.
'I was actually thinking that earlier – that usually cliques are negative – but it's definitely not one,' Kelly said. 'We support each other very well as a 23-player squad, and it's about what it takes to win a tournament.'
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