FridayOL

England manager Sarina Wiegman has delivered a frank assessment following the Lionesses' 2-1 defeat to France in their Euro 2025 qualifying opener. Wiegman pinpointed a series of avoidable errors and a lack of sharpness as key factors in the disappointing result, suggesting England were their own worst enemies on the night.

The match, held in Manchester, saw France secure a crucial victory thanks to goals from Eugénie Le Sommer and Kadidiatou Diani, despite Alessia Russo briefly leveling the score for England. The defeat marks a setback for England’s campaign to reach Euro 2025, and Wiegman was quick to acknowledge the team's shortcomings.

"We didn't do a lot of things well tonight," Wiegman stated in her post-match interview. "We gave the ball away too easily, we weren't sharp enough in our passing, and we made mistakes that cost us dearly. It's frustrating because we know we're capable of much better." She emphasized the need for the team to take responsibility for their performance. “Ultimately, we caused our own problems. We need to learn from this and ensure it doesn't happen again.”

The Lionesses struggled to control possession for large periods of the game, and France’s clinical finishing proved the difference. England’s defense also looked vulnerable at times, failing to adequately deal with the pace and movement of the French attackers. The team’s usually reliable midfield also struggled to dictate the tempo, allowing France to dominate the midfield battle.

Wiegman acknowledged the significance of the opening defeat, but remained optimistic about England's chances in the qualifying group. “Every game in qualifying is tough, and France are a very good team. This is just one game, and we still have a lot of work to do. We need to analyze what went wrong, regroup, and come back stronger in our next match.” She stressed the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and focusing on improvement.

The loss highlights the increasing competitiveness of women's international football, with France emerging as a formidable opponent for England. The Lionesses now face a challenging task to secure their place at Euro 2025, but Wiegman's leadership and the team's talent suggest they have the potential to overcome this early setback. The focus now shifts to preparing for the upcoming matches, with a determination to rectify the errors and demonstrate the resilience that has become a hallmark of the England women's national team. The team's next qualifier will be a key test of their resolve and ability to bounce back from adversity.

England fans will be hoping to see a significant improvement in performance in the coming games, as the Lionesses aim to regain their momentum and secure a spot at the next major tournament. The journey to Euro 2025 will undoubtedly be challenging, but with the right adjustments and a renewed focus, England can still achieve their goal.