England Women’s Head Coach, Sarina Wiegman expects her Lionesses to be challenged “in different ways” against Australia.
The Lionesses come into their friendly against Joe Montemurro’s Matildas off the back of a 2-1 defeat to Brazil, in which Georgia Stanway netted a consolatory second-half penalty after Bia Zaneratto and Dudinha put Brazil ahead in the first half prior to Angelina’s red card.
Wiegman consequently was pleased by the way that Brazil tested her players but is expecting Australia to give them a different type of test in terms of style and tactics.
“Brazil challenged us in ways we haven’t been challenged that much in games. That’s why I was so happy with this game. They just want to play one-v-one all over the pitch which was harder later on the pitch because then we had an overload because we played eleven v ten.
“I think this game tomorrow will challenge us in different ways but in general, what we want to get to is when we’re in possession, be quicker in our decision making, do a bit better in execution technically, so your first touch, the pace of the ball, where do you pass it to and then execution and connections.
“That’s what we talked about and what we can transfer to the game tomorrow. Of course, we want to take out those transition moments.”
Australia are now managed by ex Arsenal manager, Montemurro and Wiegman expects them to bring a direct attacking style which England will need to navigate.
“I think what he has expressed and what we’ve seen is Australia are a very powerful team too – a top, top team. They play earlier a bit more direct, they start to play in the build-up a bit more too, so that’s what we expect tomorrow. Let’s see how we can challenge them.”
Wiegman has also added Anouk Denton from the Under-23s to the senior squad due to “niggles” within the squad, which necessitated a need to bring in the youngster to provide extra defensive cover.
“After the match, we had some niggles. Things are going well – everyone will be on the pitch – but we’re still also still recovering and preparing for tomorrow, so if things go well then we have to make a decision for the [under]-23s.
“I just didn’t want to take any risks. We’re still building some players too, with Lucy Bronze and Niamh Charles.”
Hannah Hampton sat out the defeat to Brazil with an elbow injury but Wiegman is cautious on the first-choice goalkeeper’s availability, despite Hampton having resumed training.
“She’s good. She’s progressing really well and has ticked all the boxes so far. Today, there’s another training session which she has to come through but things look really good.
“We still have one day to go and today we have a session – a good session for her and if things go well, she will be available for tomorrow.”
England host Australia at Pride Park, Derby, on Tuesday 28 October at 7pm GMT, live on ITV4 in the UK.
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