13 September 2023 , 16:04
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Sarina Wiegman has expressed concern over the women's football calendar ahead of England's UEFA Nations League double header later this month.
In her first post-World Cup squad, the Lionesses boss has had to leave out Keira Walsh and Beth England due to the injury. But the vast majority of the pool who are selected, only returned from Australia just over three weeks ago.
The likes of Alessia Russo and Lotte Wubben-Moy have already taken part in Champions League qualifiers for Arsenal since returning home. And the England boss is concerned about the lack of time for players to rest, with the games against Scotland and Netherlands taking place before the new WSL season has even started.
"It's such a short turnaround," said Wiegman. "I am worried about the turnaround. I was worried before the World Cup and we knew it was a short. We really have to get connected with FIFA and UEFA to make that better.
"The game is growing which is really good but it has to grow together and players need some rest too. Next week they come in and some players only had six days off which after such a high-pressure competition, it is not good for them.
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"We have major tournaments in the summer all the time. The urgency to solve it and make it better is really high. We first have to see how they are physically and get them fresh. That's going to be a challenge."
Wiegman came narrowly close to winning back-to-back major trophies with England over the summer, with the Lionesses agonisingly missing out on the World Cup after a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the final. Beth Mead and Fran Kirby, who missed the tournament, are both back in training at their clubs Arsenal and Chelsea respectively, with Kirby getting minutes under her belt in pre-season for the Blues.
And Wiegman explained that although the duo were closer to a full return, they need more time with their clubs before making an international comeback.
"Beth (Mead) needs to take the next step to get games and get consistency," said Wiegman. "Fran [Kirby] is really close. She played some friendlies already and did well. Again it is a little too early, but I am very looking forward to seeing them play.
"They really supported the team over the summer. They were two of the biggest fans. That's really disappointing because they are ready to go in their mind. It just needs a little patience.
"Of course the competition in the squad is high too. They need to be playing and training fully and to show their performance again."