Wiegman faces twin issues in tactical battle with Hayes

Sarina Wiegman had already highlighted where England need to improve long before Emma Hayes and the United States landed in London ahead of today's marquee clash at Wembley.

- JAMIE BRAIDWOOD

While Hayes has enjoyed her return to her hometown, pouring pints in the Camden music venue she visited in her youth, and the USA have celebrated Thanksgiving week, the Lionesses have been hard at work preparing for the visit of the Olympic champions. England have another chance to get it right. It surely can’t go as wrong as the defeat to Germany last month.

But that depends on whether Wiegman’s side have learnt their lessons. Germany exposed England tactically and the Lionesses made “unforced errors” in a 4-3 defeat that has to now serve as a wake-up call ahead of their European Championship defence in Switzerland next summer. England will not challenge for the title if their approach with and without the ball is as sloppy as it was against Germany. With the USA and, by the luck of the Nations League draw, Spain to play at Wembley before Euro 2025, there’s a sense that England could do with winning a “high-level game” while producing a tactically astute display.

Wiegman’s team selection was in the spotlight after the Germany defeat. Injuries may force England’s hand ahead of the final camp of the year. Lauren Hemp and Ella Toone have added to Lauren James’s absence, reducing England’s attacking options. However, the same can be said for the USA, who will be without the front three that shone so brightly in winning Olympic gold in Paris this summer. Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson and Trinity Rodman – the “Triple Espresso” at the head of the USA’s new-look side – are all out too. It’s a blow for Hayes – and a relief for England? In a way, perhaps not.

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