Sarina Wiegman showed during England’s march to Euro 2022 glory that she is a meticulous planner — and it has been the same approach for this summer’s World Cup.
The dust had barely settled after England’s final win over Germany in July when Wiegman was already mapping out the road to Australia and New Zealand.
Wiegman has carefully selected the opponents the Lionesses have faced, ensuring they come up against a mix of styles.
The games against Brazil tonight and Australia next week are viewed as the final chance to take stock, as England face two sides ranked inside the world’s top 10.
Wiegman wants her team , who are on a 29-game unbeaten run, to be tested in these final two matches before she picks her squad for the World Cup.
Tonight, the Lionesses bid to win the first ever women’s Finalissima in front of a sold-out Wembley crowd. “At this moment, playing Brazil and Australia, gives us a new measure,” said Wiegman. “We expect to be challenged more in defence too than we were in the Arnold Clark Cup.
“That gives us more information about our team and where our players are at the moment to move forward in our preparations for the World Cup.”
Wiegman is planning to keep experimenting to a minimum during these final two games, but she will have to make one change tonight, with centre-back Millie Bright ruled out with a knee injury.
Bright played every game en route to England winning Euro 2022 and her absence is a good test of how the Lionesses can cope without a key part of the team’s spine. Jess Carter will likely slot into the heart of defence alongside captain Leah Williamson.
Brazil’s attack should test England’s defence, but it is not at full strength. Legendary forward Marta is out injured and so is fellow attacker Debinha. The pair have more than 170 international goals between them.
The visitors’ attack may be weakened, but their defence remains solid. At the heart of it is Arsenal centre-back Rafaelle Souza, and Brazil did not concede a goal on their way to winning the Copa America Femenina last year.
“It is going to be a special night with all these people here,” said Rafaelle. “I will tell my child I played at Wembley in front of 90,000.”
