Sarina Wiegman embracing Lionesses expectations ahead of Women's World Cup opener - ‘Pressure is always on England’
/dnl.eurosport.com/sd/img/placeholder/eurosport_logo_1x1.png){kind=logo}
Published 21/07/2023 at 08:18 GMT
Millie Bright has been passed fit to play in England's Women's World Cup opener against Haiti on Saturday and will captain the side. Sarina Wiegman announced the good news in a media conference and said the "pressure is always on England" ahead of a tournament they go into as reigning European champions and one of the title contenders. England's game kicks off at 10:30 UK time in Brisbane.
Crouch: Trent can 'express himself' in midfield role
England will always face pressure at major tournaments, manager Sarina Wiegman said ahead of their Women’s World Cup opener against Haiti, while captain Millie Bright has been passed fit.
The Lionesses begin the tournament in Australia and New Zealand as the No. 4 ranked team in the world and reigning European champions.
Hopes of a first-ever World Cup title for the women’s team have been higher than ever in the wake of last summer’s triumph at the Euros, but Wiegman insisted ahead of their Group D opener against Haiti that great expectations are nothing new.
"The pressure is always on England,” Wiegman told a news conference.
"It's no different so we'll just play our game and focus on how we can win. That's just what we do all the time."
She added: "We've had preparation camps and we've tried many things so that everybody can be ready for tomorrow.
"We have all positions double covered and it's given the technical team a real headache.
"I'm not telling you which they were though! It's very competitive so I hope and I want them to keep giving us headaches all the time."
First up for Wiegman’s side is a clash with a Haiti side ranked 49 places below them and competing at their first World Cup.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2023/07/14/3743959-76169108-2560-1440.jpg)
SUNSHINE COAST, AUSTRALIA - JULY 10: Sarina Wiegman, Manager of England, looks on during a training session at the Sunshine Coast Stadium on July 10, 2023 in Sunshine Coast, Australia. (Photo by Naomi Baker - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Image credit: Eurosport
But she insists there has been no complacency in preparation.
"We have a whole team behind us to analyse the opponents, I think we know everything we need to know about them,” she said.
"We are very well prepared and I don't think there's any stone left unturned in preparing for this game.
"We’ve highlighted every player from them, they have a strong squad and we’ve pointed out some of their key players."
One piece of good news for England fans is the return to fitness of defender Bright in time for the tournament opener.
Wiegman said Bright is “ready to play” and the Chelsea star will captain the side.
On her return from injury, Bright said: “I just went day by day because it's important to be in the moment. By doing that I removed the pressure of needing to be fit.
"I just knew I had to absolutely everything I can for the team and for myself to be fit.
"Unfortunately, we're missing players to injury, but that's part of football and you just have to look forward and move forward.
"We've got an amazing group of players and staff so we're raring to go."
One of the injuries Bright alluded to is Leah Williamson, the captain Bright is standing in for, who misses the tournament after suffering an ACL injury.
“Everything remains the same, we're always prepared for different scenarios,” Bright said.
"We have an unbelievably talented squad with players that are ready to step up. The process remains the same.
"I don't think I need to prove anything coming back from injury, it's about the team and not individuals. We'll play as a collective and show what England is about."
- - -
TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Heineken Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article