In Pythagorean numerology the number eight represents victory, prosperity and an ability to overcome adversity. Given such associations it seems appropriate that players deployed in the box‑to‑box central midfield role known as the No 8 position often hold the key to winning football matches.
The bad news for Sarina Wiegman is that, immensely impressive as her England team have looked during their canter towards the Euro 2022 quarter-finals, their principal potential weak link is sited alongside the Lionesses’s midfield anchor, Keira Walsh. In other words, Wiegman lacks a suitable Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard equivalent.
