England completed an unbeaten 2022 with a 1-1 draw against a resilient Norway in Spain to round off a year like no other.
In-form Rachel Daly headed the Lionesses in front before half-time but Norway, who had Anja Sonstevold sent off, levelled when Frida Maanum capitalised on an error from Ellie Roebuck. Despite failing to win, the draw didn’t dampen what has been a remarkable year for the Lionesses who lifted a major trophy by winning the European Championship, remained unbeaten across 20 games and defeated the number one ranked side in the world, USA at Wembley.
Here are five things we learnt as the Lionesses brought their year to a close.
1. Daly a genuine option up-front
The big team news going in was the decision to give Rachel Daly a chance in the number nine shirt. The Aston Villa star has been in scintillating form this season deployed as a forward in the WSL.
Daly then showed she can perform as a striker on the international stage, her wonderful flicked header opening the scoring. The utility player then told ITV in her post-match interview that she will continue to play wherever Wiegman asks her.
“I'm obviously delighted to be on the scoresheet," Daly said. "As a forward coming in today my main target was to score. I love playing as the central forward, but I just love football.
"It was special to wear the number nine, that was the number my dad wore when he played. But I'm happy to play anywhere and can't emphasise that enough.”
2. Wiegman willing to give youth a chance
Throughout the successful Euros campaign Wiegman was known for sticking with a tried and tested XI, as well as using the same substitutes. But the England boss has showed, both against Norway and in the win over Japan, a willingness to give minutes to new faces.
Maya Le Tissier was handed a debut at right-back, with Brighton wonderkid Katie Robinson coming off the bench late in the second half for her first cap. Defender Niamh Charles also impressed again as she had done on Friday evening.
Wiegman won’t rely on experience just for the sake of it and is clearly keen to continue the Lionesses’ evolution by giving youth a chance. The Dutch coach later told ITV: "This week three players made their debuts, lots of players have made minutes now. We take a lot from this and the overall year."
3. Le Tissier looks a capable understudy to Bronze
Manchester United defender Le Tissier was one of those debutants, in from the start at right back. Lucy Bronze had withdrawn from the squad on Saturday and it could have been a daunting prospect for Le Tissier to step into a position normally occupied by one of England’s best players.
However, the 20-year-old looked cool on the ball in the first half, linking up well with United colleagues Nikita Parris and Ella Toone. She did have one nervy moment, losing possession to give Guro Reiten a chance, but it didn’t seem to phase her.
Le Tissier continued to want the ball and overlap down the right channel. Bronze is still very much first choice, but equally Le Tissier showed why she deserves a place in this squad.
4. Kelly should be starting
Chloe Kelly was one of the super-subs contingent in the summer, which paid off when she scored that memorable extra-time winner against Germany. But in both games in Murcia, Kelly has shown why she needs to be one of the first names on Wiegman’s teamsheet.
The Manchester City winger once again gave her opponents a torrid evening, showing her ability to consistently deliver dangerous crosses. As soon as Wiegman switched her midway through the half with opposite wide player Nikita Parris, England looked more dangerous.
Kelly produced a pinpoint cross for Daly’s header, the third goal in two Lionesses games she has been directly involved in. Lauren Hemp and Beth Mead aren’t going anywhere but on this form you simply can’t not have Kelly in the starting team.
5. Tough night for Roebuck underlines Earps’ consistency
Ellie Roebuck’s error led to Norway’s late equaliser, there is no getting away from that. Roebuck won’t need telling twice either, such is the life of a goalkeeper.
It was particularly harsh on the Manchester City No.1 considering she had made two excellent saves early in the second half, but had very little to do otherwise. It does also highlight just how brilliant Mary Earps has been during the Wiegman era.
The England first-choice has yet to put a foot wrong since the Dutch coach took charge and that makes it a tough ask for Roebuck when she is thrown in the team.
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