Sarina Wiegman facing three decisions for toughest Nations League clash yet

25 September 2023 , 07:00

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Sarina Wiegman is hoping to lead her team to the Nations League finals

England are up and running in the UEFA Women's Nations League.

Lucy Bronze and Lauren Hemp scored in the Lionesses' 2-1 success over Scotland on Friday in Sunderland, as Sarina Wiegman's European Champions made a winning start to the new competition. The Scots were better for large periods of the second half and had it not been for Mary Earps and the woodwork, it would have finished level.

Instead the World Cup finalists took maximum points from their opening game and now have the opportunity to seize control of a tricky looking Group A1. Next they travel to the previous World Cup runners-up and Sarina Wiegman's former team, Netherlands.

But the Oranje are a wounded animal after suffering a shock defeat in Belgium on Friday. The game appeared to be heading to a 1-1 stalemate until substitute Jassina Blom struck in the 93rd minute to leave the Dutch stunned.

It was a result that summed up what the Nations League is all about, close, competitive international fixtures with the ability to surprise. But it means the Dutch will be desperate for a result against the Lionesses to stay in the race for the tournament finals.

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Here are the big decisions facing Sarina Wiegman ahead of a huge clash in Utrecht.

Does Alessia Russo come back in?

After spending the majority of the World Cup at wing-back, England fans finally got see Rachel Daly as an international No.9 against Scotland. The Aston Villa star showed how she was able to smash 22 goals in 22 games last season with a lively display that caused the visitors defence problems all night.

Were it not for an offside Chloe Kelly, Daly would have broken the deadlock, with a powerful header midway through the first half. She later picked out Hemp with a perfect cross for England's second goal in an all-action performance.

By contrast Alessia Russo wasn't part of the squad against Scotland, having joined up late with the team last week. Wiegman deemed that Russo needed an extra break after playing in Arsenal's Champions League qualifiers less than three weeks after the World Cup final and following talks she reported to the team base on Wednesday.

So could we see her against the Dutch? Surely Russo won't have joined up with the squad to not be involved at some stage. Also Wiegman could be keen to reunite her with Lauren Hemp in attack after the two found form together in the latter stages of the World Cup.

Will England stick with the 3-4-1-2?

The big surprise of the night in Sunderland was England's system. Most assumed Sarina Wiegman would switch back to the 4-2-3-1 that had served them so well prior to the World Cup, including when they won the Euros.

Instead she kept faith in the back three of Alex Greenwood, Millie Bright and Jess Carter, with Chloe Kelly taking up a unfamiliar role wide on the left of midfield. And for the opening 45 minutes it worked a treat.

England celebrate their second goal against Scotland

In fact, the opening goal came from the aggressive wide play Wiegman will have wanted to see. Right wing-back Lucy Bronze made a trademark darting run in behind the defence before heading home a pinpoint pass from the excellent Katie Zelem. Lauren James looked at home drifting between the lines.

All in all, the first half was vindication of the tactical set-up. But after the break Scotland got on top and England struggled to keep possession, something Wiegman later referenced in her post-match press conference. "The second half we were struggling with decision making," she said. "And we were not able to press little higher. We kept playing short when we need to go higher."

That second half display means we could see another tactical switch against Netherlands.

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Will Chloe Kelly keep her place?

Kelly's return to the team in a different position was a sign that Wiegman wants to get the Man City winger in the side. She was often used as an impact sub at both the Euros last summer and the World Cup.

But with the team beginning new tournament cycle Kelly will be looking to get herself into the starting XI on a regular basis. But if Russo does come back in from the off against the Dutch, it could be at Kelly's expense.

Daly won't be dropped after her performance against Scotland, so would revert to wing-back with Russo partnering Hemp. That would mean Kelly would have to settle for a bench role.

Chloe Kelly of England looks on during the UEFA Womens Nations League

However, a change in formation may help her chances of a start. A front three of Russo, Kelly and Hemp would give England the pace, movement and strength to unsettle the Dutch back four, who could still be fragile after their defeat to Belgium.

Chelsea's James would also present another option, but she looked exhausted towards the end of the win over Scotland and could suit the role of wildcard option from the bench. If that happens Kelly would be have to fancy her chances of a first international start since the win over Denmark in England's second game at the World Cup.

Jack Lacey-Hatton