Sarina Wiegman demands improvement from Grace Clinton for Lionesses opportunity

In the lead up to Euro 2025, England's national women's football team, the Lionesses, has experienced fluctuations in performance under head coach Sarina Wiegman. The year marked the first in Wiegman's tenure without a major tournament. Nonetheless, the team achieved a significant goal by qualifying for the upcoming Euros, overcoming challenges in their group stage. Despite qualifying, their results against top-ranked teams were disappointing, with only one win in six matches against elite competition. England lost two matches, indicating that while they remained competitive, they struggled to secure victories against the world's best teams. One of the emerging players is Grace Clinton, who at 21 years old, has shown promise on the pitch. Clinton scored her first senior international goal in the opening match of the year against Austria and added two more goals throughout the year, demonstrating an upward trajectory in her performance. Although she impressed during her debut and contributed to a 1-0 win against Switzerland, Wiegman has expressed a need for Clinton to achieve greater consistency and to take on a more prominent leadership role within the squad. Wiegman acknowledged Clinton's progress yet highlighted that she must enhance her ability to read the game effectively, particularly as the pace increases. In addition to Clinton, Wiegman has been tapering her squad with new players as she prepares for the challenge of defending their title at the Euros. Friendlies have served as an essential platform for these players to showcase their skills and gain experience. During a recent match against Switzerland, a youthful line-up was deployed with significant changes, allowing the coach to evaluate the talents of less experienced players. Despite only one win against top rankings, the experimentation offered valuable insights into the players and formation strategies Wiegman may utilize moving forward. Looking ahead, Wiegman is keen on continuing to develop her squad. Emphasis was placed on the necessity for players to perform at a high level in their respective clubs to enhance their chances of selection for the national team. The competition for places is intense, and Wiegman's approach indicates a commitment to building a robust squad that has the potential to compete effectively in the Euros next summer in Switzerland. Understanding their current strengths and weaknesses will be vital as they prepare for the tournament, as Wiegman aims to transform the national team into a consistent powerhouse in women’s football.