By 90min | Created at 2024-10-29 21:33:01 | Updated at 2024-11-05 16:40:29
1 week ago
England return to action on Tuesday evening as they face South Africa at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
Last time out against Germany, the Lionesses suffered a bitter 4-3 loss at Wembley Stadium. With just three games remaining this calendar year, Sarina Wiegman will hope her side can regain some momentum as Euro 2025 is less than ten months away.
The manager has already hinted at potential selection changes ahead of Tuesday’s game against South Africa, citing the need to develop new connections and managing minutes as the key reasons for switching things up.
Here's a look at the changes Wiegman could make against South Africa and named the players deserving of more game time.
Naz could enter the starting lineup / Justin Setterfield/GettyImages
Tottenham Hotspur’s Jess Naz has only been in the England senior setup for a matter of months, but in the latter stages of Friday’s game against Germany, she complemented the other forwards extremely well.
Her pace causes opposition defences plenty of problems, and she deserves more game time. Beth Mead has somewhat struggled to regain the form shown at the last Euros in 2022 due to the ACL injury she sustained a couple of months later.
Against Germany, England often resorted to long balls, which didn’t suit Mead at all. With an opportunity to experiment against South Africa, Naz deserves the chance to stake a claim for a starting spot.
Alex Greenwood for Leah Williamson
Greenwood's introduction led to a slight improvement / Marc Atkins/GettyImages
England looked shaky defensively for the entire game against Germany, but they were able to tighten things up somewhat in the second half when Alex Greenwood replaced Leah Williamson. The Arsenal star struggled in all aspects on Friday, and she should be nowhere near the starting lineup on Tuesday.
Greenwood has been in better form for both club and country, and England look better with the Manchester City centre-back in the team. It was Williamson’s mistake that cost the team in the opening few minutes at Wembley when she gave the ball away with a poor pass, which is a far cry from the assuredness we’ve come to expect from the captain.
Williamson’s start to the season has been extremely stop-start due to injuries, so Wiegman needs to let the defender rediscover her form at Arsenal before placing her in the firing line for England, especially after Friday’s performance.
Manchester United's Grace Clinton / Ben Roberts Photo/GettyImages
Manchester United’s Grace Clinton has been one of the most exciting midfielders in the Women’s Super League so far this season. The 21-year-old has been the standout performer for her club, and deserves the minutes in an England shirt.
Wiegman opted for Jess Park as Ella Toone’s replacement in the second half against Germany, and the Manchester City star didn’t necessarily disappoint, but Clinton has the potential to be one of the breakout stars of the Euros next year and she needs more game time on the international stage.
