England legend Fara Williams says the Lionesses ’ performance against the Czech Republic ‘lacked the intensity and energy’ associated with the team under Sarina Wiegman.
The hosts were held to a 0-0 draw at Brighton ’s Amex Stadium on Tuesday night, despite the fact they dominated possession and had 17 attempts on goal, only five of which were on target. The result meant it was a disappointing end to the international break after England battled to defeat the current world champions USA 2-1 at Wembley on Friday.
Williams, speaking at an event to support the 2022/23 EFL & Utilita Kids and Girls Cup, told Mirror Football : “The positive I can take from the result is the Lionesses continue their unbeaten run to 24 games under Wiegman. A fantastic run of games, coming away from the match unbeaten breeds confidence and belief in the players.
“In terms of the performance itself, I thought it was very flat. It lacked the intensity and energy that we’ve seen the Lionesses play with under Sarina from the very start. It didn’t live up to those same levels.
“I don’t know why, maybe because playing at Wembley (on Friday) takes it out of you as it’s a really big pitch, the whole occasion playing against the number one ranked team in the world in the USA. Then, four days later, to be playing again against the Czech Republic.
“I know sometimes people think when you play with the ball, it’s not as hard as when you play without it, but it is. You’re trying to force and make things happen and we certainly dominated possession, we created a lot of chances but it just wasn’t our day."
The former Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal midfielder made 172 appearances for England during her playing days and is the Lionesses’ most-capped player. She highlighted the teams’ struggle to break down a resilient Czech Republic team and believes they need to find a way to beat teams that sit deep and defend.
“I think, in terms of the chances created and opportunities on goal, we were not clinical enough,” Williams continued. “We got into the attacking third lots of times but didn’t really create anything clear cut to score.
“But, the Czech Republic, we know they drew against the USA during the SheBelieves Cup, so they’re an improving nation and we knew it was going to be a tough game. These are the teams that England need to find a way to beat - when they sit back and we’re given a lot of the ball - it’s how we break them down without getting frustrated.”
Chelsea’s Lauren James was a standout performer on the night as she made her full England debut in Brighton. The 21-year-old, whose brother Reece also plays for the London club, is one of the nation’s promising young talents.
“I’ve always had high hopes for Lauren,” Williams added, speaking on the forward’s performance. “I remember when I played at Arsenal and she was just 14 playing with the seniors. She’s a fantastic talent, raw, the closest thing to Kelly Smith since she was a player.
“She’s a player that has everything you need, she can play with both feet, she’s strong on the ball and can score goals. Her understanding of the game is very good, I thought in moments yesterday when she got herself in 1v1 situations higher up the pitch, she was very good.
“There were also times you could see that it was new to her and she played very safe and wanted to keep the ball rather than miss it. A player like Lauren, we need her to take chances and create and, in doing so, there will be times she gives the ball away. But that’s what we want from players like Lauren.”
The Utilita Kids and Girls Cup is one of the nation’s largest tournaments as over 25,000 school children take part, with all 72 EFL clubs represented. Kids are inspired to be active and healthy, while the platform also provides them with a once in a lifetime opportunity to play at Wembley Stadium.
The EFL and Utilita have partnered for the Utilita Kids and Girls Cup, a series of national tournaments offering 20,000 children a season the chance to play football and represent their local EFL Club. Finalists are rewarded with the unforgettable experience to play at Wembley Stadium ahead of the Papa Johns Trophy and EFL Play Off Finals.
