England address defensive and selection concerns ahead of Brazil World Cup
England are working to strengthen their bid for next summer’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while also trying to progress from their play-off against Greece. Their 3-1 first-leg win was less convincing than expected, and the European champions face several unresolved questions as they prepare for the tournament.
England had 58 touches in Greece’s penalty area but scored three times; Greece managed one goal from two touches in England’s area and also hit the crossbar. The article highlights concerns over defending, finishing, and choices at centre-back, No 10 and right wing, with limited matches left to build cohesion. It also notes calls to give young players Lexi Potter and Freya Godfrey opportunities, and uncertainty over Sarina Wiegman’s future.
- England beat Greece 3-1 but left room for improvement.
- Defensive organisation and finishing remain concerns.
- Several starting positions are unsettled before Brazil.
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England's women's football team is preparing for next summer's World Cup in Brazil, but must first secure their place through qualifying play-offs. They won their first match against Greece 3-1 at home, putting them in a strong position ahead of the return leg, though the European champions would ideally want to have looked more convincing.
The match has raised several concerns about the team's readiness. Despite having numerous chances—58 in Greece's penalty area—England scored only three goals, whilst Greece managed one from just two opportunities in England's area. Questions have emerged about defensive organisation, the quality of finishing, and which players should start in key positions: centre-back, attacking midfield, and right wing.
With limited matches remaining before the World Cup, England has little time to bed in the team and resolve these selection questions. There is also debate about whether younger players such as Lexi Potter and Freya Godfrey deserve opportunities to develop in these final preparations, and uncertainty about whether manager Sarina Wiegman will remain in her role.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
England demonstrated concerning inefficiency in attack—58 touches in the box yielding only three goals—and defensive vulnerability against Greece that require focused attention before the World Cup. With limited matches remaining, addressing these technical shortcomings through consistent team selection and tactical drilling should take precedence over introducing new players, whose integration might disrupt the cohesion needed for tournament success.
The case against
England's commanding qualification position provides an ideal opportunity to develop young talent like Potter and Godfrey at competitive international level. Blooding emerging players now allows tactical problems to be addressed alongside squad development, and integrating fresh talent strengthens long-term capability whilst the team is already performing strongly.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Six questions facing England as they target next year’s Women’s World Cup”.