30 November 2023 , 11:50
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Sarina Wiegman believes her England side will be able to cope without captain Millie Bright for a crunch Nations League tie with the Netherlands, with Mary Earps named as stand-in skipper.
The Lionesses must beat the Dutch at Wembley to keep alive their Nations League finals and Olympic qualification hopes, but will have to do so without Chelsea defender Bright, who withdrew from the squad with a knee injury.
But Wiegman is confident her team will have players ready to step in fill in for the absent Bright, owner of 77 international caps, who was one of England's best players during their run to the World Cup final. The Dutch coach will take charge of Team GB if they qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
However, that will only happen if England finish in the top two of the UEFA Women's Nations League, or third if France reach the final. To do that the Lionesses must win both games against the Netherlands and then Scotland next Tuesday, to have any chance of topping Group A1.
Although Jess Carter and Alex Greenwood are available, the majority of England's options at centre back have fewer than 10 international appearances. Manchester United centre-back Millie Turner has been brought into the squad as a replacement for Bright, but she is uncapped at senior level.
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Wiegman said: "Of course she (Bright) wasn't available for Chelsea, we thought she would make it (the games against Netherlands and Scotland) but she didn't. But we always know our next step.
"We talk about that week in, week out, we watch them every week and think 'what if someone is not available, what are our options.' When such a situation occurs we make a decision. We haven't had many opportunities to try out things.
"Of course we do that in training, but we see them in the WSL every week and the level if so high, the players are adjusted to high levels and big stadiums. I think if they are needed, they are ready and we know what has been asked of them. I hope they get the opportunity to play."
Wiegman confirmed goalkeeper Earps will captain the England team in the absence of both Bright and permanent skipper Leah Williamson, who is still recovering from her ACL injury suffered in April.
The England manager also added that the absence of the Chelsea defender won't impact the Lionesses tactical approach, saying "it hasn't changed our decisions." The European Champions have utilised both a back three and a back four in the Nations League campaign so far.
Defeats to Belgium and Netherlands in the reverse game have put them in a difficult position in the table with England third on six points. The Dutch sit top with nine points from four games and know if they take maximum points from their final two games they will qualify for the finals.
A late Renate Jansen goal gave them a 2-1 victory in the reverse game back in September. And Wiegman isn't expecting her former team to change their approach at Wembley.
England were left stunned by a late goal when the two teams last met"I think they (Netherlands) are excited too," said Wiegman. "They have an experienced team and have played big occasions. They will want to play at Wembley.
"I don't think they will play any differently (to the game in Utrecht) they will adapt a little bit I think. Or try to adapt, and hopefully they can't. But they won't all of sudden change their style of play, because it is very recognisable and very clear how they approach games."
The Lionesses have had plenty of famous nights at Wembley over the last 18 months, including the Euro 2022 final win over Germany, a first win over USA and their Finalissima success against Brazil. And Wiegman believes they are ready to produce another big performance, even in a high pressure situation where a defeat will end their qualification hopes.
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"I think the team is ready," she said. "We are really excited to play at Wembley. We didn't have that many training sessions, but the camp so far has gone really well.
"We are very clear on how we want to play and what we want to do. I see good things on and off pitch and that gives me a lot of confidence that we are ready for tomorrow."