Sarina Wiegman: England ready for ‘massive challenge’ of Euro 2025 qualification
The IndependentSign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Boss Sarina Wiegman insisted England were prepared to take on the “massive challenge” of securing passage to Euro 2025 in their final group-stage qualifier against Sweden on Tuesday night. “When you make mistakes, when you don’t do it right, you will be punished and that’s exactly what you want – and I think for the fans it’s good too because it’s so competitive and it’s going to be a very exciting game I think.” Wiegman was particularly pleased by Alessia Russo’s fifth-minute opener, the result of some fine build-up ending in Beth Mead’s excellent pass to set up her Arsenal team-mate. “I really enjoyed that one,” said Wiegman, who admitted she wanted more from England’s first half, chalking it up in part to what she wondered might be an overcorrection from training, where they have told players to “make sure you scan the situation, get yourself in the best possible position and don’t be rushed”. She added: “Sometimes when you’re working on things, you might exaggerate the other options you have, so at half-time we said ‘if you have the opportunity to shoot, please shoot!” Wiegman also explained the decision to give Hannah Hampton another start in goal was in fact due to what has become an increasingly-strong fight for the Lionesses’ number one position with Mary Earps, who has recently bounced back from injury.