England need to be ‘uncomfortable’ to get better, says Lionesses chief Sarina Wiegman ahead of Switzerland clash
SARINA WIEGMAN warns England stars must get used to feeling uncomfortable with their Euros title defence drawing nearer.
Her remarks follow Leah Williamson reflecting on testing moments for the Lionesses in two intense end-of-year camps.
Tomorrow the England skipper, 27, and her team-mates host Switzerland in an 8pm Bramall Lane clash in their last friendly before 2025.
The duel with next year’s Euros hosts comes seven months before the 2022 champs begin their quest to win the tournament back-to-back.
Before then Wiegman’s side will resume their build-up with Nations League action in February with World Cup winners Spain among their group stage foes.
And 51-capped Williamson reckons England’s recent camps have been moulded to test them.
Lionesses boss Wiegman, 56, said: “That’s what you need at moments.
“At the end, before we go into a tournament, you want clarity and that everyone knows their role, which we know in top sport can also change very quickly.
“But now you’re trying out things, you want everyone to compete at the highest level, compete against opponents, but also compete against each other.
“That’s what you need to become better and that’s uncomfortable.
“It’s also trying out new things and we’re not going to get everything right, but we’re learning and it gives us information.”
With Wiegman due to whittle her squad down to 23 for the Euros, Jess Park expects the battle for squad spots to be more intense.
The in-form Lioness forward, 23, added: “That’s the best way a team needs to be.
“If there is no competition it’s never going to bring out the best in you.”
Wiegman is likely to field a much-changed line-up to the team that drew with the USA on Saturday.
However the England chief will be without the services of Chloe Kelly and Fran Kirby with injuries forcing the duo to return to their clubs.
The Manchester City and Brighton forwards came on as second-half substitutes against the United States.
However Kelly sustained concussion during the match while Kirby picked up a calf injury.
With Lauren Hemp, Lauren James and Ella Toone also injured, England’s forward ranks are depleted.
Among the up and coming stars vying to start is midfielder Grace Clinton who did not feature in the 0-0 draw at Wembley.
Wiegman added: “What we want is consistency and what I talk with Grace about a lot is she needs to stay switched on at all times.
“She’s tight on the ball but she also shows she can come into the box.
“Defensively her understanding needs to be improved, the consistency and to know what the bigger picture is than only her own task.”