‘Very good week’ for Lionesses or ‘back to the drawing board’?

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‘Very good week’ for Lionesses or ‘back to the drawing board’?

Manager Wiegman had her hands full going into the camp after goalkeeper Mary Earps announced her shock international retirement and key defender Millie Bright withdrew from the squad to focus on her mental and physical wellbeing.

Paris St-Germain stopper Earps had fallen down the pecking order, with Hannah Hampton increasingly looking more likely to secure the number one spot.

But Wiegman admitted Earps would have been a valuable member of the Euros squad – and it had been “hard” to deal with her decision.

That news was a major distraction as England prepared to face Portugal, piling pressure on Hampton and raising questions about the morale in the squad.

The response was emphatic and admirable as they produced an immense display, thrashing Portugal in front of an entertained crowd at Wembley.

Aggie Beever-Jones demonstrated England’s attacking depth with a brilliant hat-trick, while Lauren Hemp, Alex Greenwood and Georgia Stanway all got minutes after returning from knee surgeries.

Those positive signs cannot be forgotten, although their week did not end on a high as an elite Spain side fought back in style for a 2-1 success that took them into the Nations League semi-finals.

Former England defender Anita Asante told ITV: “The most important thing is the right players are getting the right minutes to feel prepared going into the Euros.”

Karen Carney, a former Lionesses midfielder, added: “It’s great we got fitness for Lauren Hemp and Alex Greenwood.

“If we get them back fighting – it’s a good position for them. I’m confident for England going into the group stages.”

Carney admitted England had to “suffer” against Spain because they rotated in the second half as Wiegman looked to expose some of her fringe players to the experience against world-class opponents.

She names her Euros squad on Thursday and handed a senior debut to Missy Bo Kearns, just hours before midfielder Fran Kirby announced her international retirement, capping off a rollercoaster week for the Dutchwoman.

“Sometimes you have to go through these moments because the ******* picture for the summer is giving players the minutes that they need,” added Carney.

“The changes in the second half really hampered England and we felt disconnected. It is a positive because Wiegman has got a lot to learn.”

The England boss echoed that sentiment, saying she was not concerned and could use the Spain loss as another “learning moment”.

“We had a very good week – players coming back from injuries, players fighting for positions, or minutes, or selection, and that is very positive.”

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