Wasteful England face questions forward of World Cup amid stumbling run
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or those that turned out of their droves at Stadium MK, this was definitely not miserable viewing. But neither was it something remotely near inspiring.
England received the Arnold Clark Cup twice, the European Championship and the Finalissima throughout their first year-and-a-half underneath Sarina Wiegman, not shedding as soon as regardless of enjoying all of 30 matches.
That run got here to an finish final outing, when the Lionesses misplaced to Australia in April, however they’ve now did not win in 90 minutes in three successive matches after their disappointing 0-0 draw with Portugal at a sold-out Stadium MK.
England’s damage disaster is well-documented, with Fran Kirby, Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Jess Park all out of the World Cup — whereas Millie Bright and Jordan Nobbs are anticipated to be match for the event however weren’t named within the squad for this drab goalless draw.
In the absence of each of her first-choice centre-backs, Wiegman picked Jess Carter alongside Esme Morgan. Carter was stable, however Morgan was caught too excessive at moments.
Morgan is a longtime England squad member now, however you worry she faces an uphill battle to make the beginning lineup for England’s Women’s World Cup opener in opposition to Haiti in Brisbane on July 22.
In some ways, this was a story of missed possibilities from England’s two strikers. It stays to be seen whether or not Alessia Russo or Rachel Daly is most popular up entrance this summer season — and each had a half every right here.
Daly got here mightily shut with a magnificently saved header inside 5 minutes, and her confidence after a Golden Boot-winning first WSL season with Aston Villa was palpable when she wound up for a bicycle kick which flew over.
Russo admitted the match was “frustrating.” For her it definitely was. She missed eight possibilities after changing Daly on the interval. In the primary and clearest of these openings, she rounded goalkeeper Ines Pereira, just for former Chelsea participant Ana Borges to scramble again onto the road and block.
England want a striker who’s match and firing this summer season. Daly and Russo each have objectives in them, however they had been each unable to strengthen their particular person instances to start out forward of the opposite right here.
Alessia Russo was unable to take any of the second-half possibilities that fell her means
/ PACarter has deputised at left-back every so often underneath Wiegman, whereas left-back Greenwood has performed effectively at centre-back. Greenwood began at her nominal left-back place right here and even with all of England defensive accidents, it feels as if she merely has to remain there. England have actual width along with her on the left flank, and her supply is arguably wasted when she performs centrally.
Carter might develop into the brand new centre-back accomplice to Bright, when Bright returns from damage in what could be an all-Chelsea duo.
Keira Walsh made just a few uncharacteristic unforced errors, maybe a sign of a protracted and arduous season at Barcelona, whereas Georgia Stanway forward of her was in excellent type. She dropped her shoulder to get out of bother and located some glorious passes. Her flat, flighted nook deliveries from either side deserved higher finish product.
Out large, even with out Beth Mead to name on this summer season, England are blessed with choices. Lauren James once more seemed full of life, however like so usually for England and for Chelsea, her closing execution left one thing to be deserved from such a richly proficient participant.
James and Hemp seem like the favoured choices on both facet, but when Wiegman had been selecting on type she would begin Chloe Kelly, who was by far the best of England’s substitutes.
England face Canada in an unofficial behind-closed-doors pleasant as soon as they’ve flown out to Australia. It is their closing match earlier than the World Cup. So many questions nonetheless dangle over them. It was all just a bit bit flat.