2024 is drawing to a close and England have just finished their last internationals of the calendar year.
It has been a busy 12 months for the Lionesses as they secured qualification for the 2025 European Championships in Switzerland in the summer. They have also played a handful of high profile friendlies against the likes of Germany and, more recently, the USA.
The international break began with a blockbuster clash at Wembley with the US Women’s National Team (USWNT). It was Emma Hayes’ first time back for England in her new role, but neither team could find a significant breakthrough on the night as they played out a 0-0 draw.
On Tuesday night, the Lionesses faced Euro 2025 hosts Switzerland at Bramall Lane in Sheffield. Grace Clinton’s first-half strike was the only goal of the night as Sarina Wiegman’s side ended the year with a hard-fought 1-0 win.
90 Minutes looked at the five key takeaways from the final international camp of the year…
Wiegman has yet to be tapped Manchester United Midfielder Grace Clinton in any of the Lionesses’ big games, but every time the 21-year-old takes to the pitch in an England shirt, she delivers a Man of the Match performance. Her alertness in the box to head home a rebound effort from United team-mate Millie Turner proved to be the difference for the hosts against Switzerland this week.
Clinton only made her England debut this year, but is already showing signs that she could be a crucial player for the team in the not-too-distant future. Along with Jess Park, the pair have the potential to be among the stars of next year’s Euros, provided they are given the opportunities by the manager.
It’s fair to say Wiegman used her last chance to change her starting line-up and experiment when England faced Switzerland this week. Against the USA, the Dutch coach understandably relied on her experienced stars, but then made 10 changes in their next game a few days later.
Understandably, there was not the same fluidity that we expected from England. But what was impressive in the first half against Switzerland was their absolute control of possession.
England rarely gave the ball away and when they did, they were quick to win it back and attack once more. Debutants Ruby Mace and Laura Blindkilde Brown helped dictate play in the middle of the pitch, while the slightly more experienced Park and Clinton provided a bright spark.
Up front some of Aggie Beaver-Jones was a joy to watch with her excellent work rate and smart play. The only thing missing was that clinical edge, but that’s definitely something that will come with time.
Wiegman will be hoping to have Lauren Hemp, Lauren James and Ella Toone available for selection again before the Euros, but the strength in depth and talent England possess is exciting.
The biggest selection debate ahead of next summer’s Euros is the goalkeeper. Mary Earps impressed against the USA, while Hannah Hampton had some nice moments against Switzerland this week.
Who Wiegman chooses to start in key Nations League matches against the likes of Spain early next year will act as a strong indicator of who Wiegman sees as her number one. But, as things stand, it’s anyone’s guess.
One of the biggest challenges the coach will face ahead of the Euros is finding the balance between youth and experience. To retain their European title, England will rely on those who have been there before and know what it takes to reach the latter stages of a major competition.
But there was something incredibly refreshing about that first-half performance against Switzerland. Despite a largely inexperienced starting line-up, England dominated possession, were composed in everything they did, took no unnecessary risks and kept their opposition penned in their own half for almost the entire first 45 minutes. It had everything – except that clinical edge.
A slight revamp in the squad, with some of these younger stars, could be the perfect solution for England to make it two Euro wins on the bounce. Players should be selected purely on current form and what they can offer as opposed to what they have contributed in the past.
If anything, this latest international break was a stark wake-up call that time is running out and the Euros are just around the corner. The Switzerland game was Wiegman’s first essentially experimental team for a while, and will likely be the only one before the tournament due to the Nations League taking precedence in the new year.
There are still a number of issues for the manager to deal with over the next six or seven months, including England’s shaky defence, struggles in front of goal and a lack of consistency at times.
England need to find some form of rhythm before the Euros kick off in July, or their hopes of retaining their title in 2022 will crumble pretty quickly. With a resurgent Germany, infallible Spain and promising nations like Belgium – this could be the most competitive tournament yet.
