November 6th 2024.
After their recent victory against South Africa, England's head coach Sarina Wiegman gathered her players together to reflect on their progress as a team. She acknowledged that they have entered a new stage in their development and it's interesting to see how far they have come and where they are now.
During the recent international break, the team had the opportunity to assess their progress as a squad. They have noticed that the expectations from the outside have changed, possibly due to their recent successes. People now expect them to win every match, perform brilliantly, and constantly rotate players.
But Wiegman knows that it's not an easy task to combine all these factors. They want to give players opportunities without putting too much pressure on them. They strive for both performances and wins, but it's not always possible to achieve both in every game. Trying new tactics and adapting to a new approach takes time, and it's up to the more experienced players like Wiegman to guide their teammates.
Managing expectations is crucial, as some may want more from the team. But Wiegman assures everyone that they are doing their best and share the same goal of doing well for England. As they aim to win the Euros again next year, the team has had many conversations about becoming a better team. They support and lift each other up, creating a positive and enjoyable environment. They are aware that outside of the team, it can be tougher for some of the players.
After their 2-1 win against South Africa, Wiegman and the senior players felt the need to protect their younger teammates from the pressure of media and public scrutiny. They have an obligation to speak to the press regardless of the result, but as senior players, they also feel responsible for supporting their teammates. Playing for England is an amazing opportunity, and Wiegman wants all the players to enjoy it. She acknowledges that the team has changed since becoming European champions and World Cup finalists, and they wanted the extra attention that comes with it. But they also understand that the weight of the shirt is heavier now, and they want their teammates to focus on playing for England and enjoying the experience.
The recent high-profile fixtures, such as the 4-3 defeat against Germany at Wembley, have brought more attention and scrutiny to the team. Wiegman wants to ensure that no player feels anxious or nervous about making a mistake, as it's only human to do so. She knows that football is not a straight line, and they need to evolve and take a step back sometimes to move forward. As reigning European champions, they are under the spotlight, and fans expect them to win every game. However, Wiegman reminds the team that the truth about their loss against Germany is that the opponent's performance was better than when they played in the final in 2022. It was a close game, and England could have easily lost. Wiegman sees this as an opportunity to try new and different things in preparation for next summer.
She also believes that football is a rollercoaster, and the team needs to ride it together. They have the confidence and strength to beat any team, and that's what truly matters. As a British, female-led brand, ALIGNE is proud to partner with Lucy Bronze, who embodies everything they stand for. They champion women in sport, and Bronze is the perfect representation of confidence and strength. In a recent interview, former England captain Casey Stoney revealed the shockingly low salary she earned at Arsenal, highlighting the need for equal pay and recognition in women's football. The sport is making strides in this area, with the news that drinking alcohol will be trialled in some women's football matches in England, and former Manchester United boss Casey Stoney has expressed interest in the Arsenal job. These are all exciting developments as women's football continues to grow and thrive.
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