Jump directly to the content
PLAYER PRAISE

Wiegman hails players’ tribute and urges Lionesses be more ruthless as Euros draw near

SARINA WIEGMAN praised her England side for their touching tribute in honour of her late sister.

And the head coach urged her side to be more ruthless after beating Belgium 3-0 with the battle for Euros starting spots heating up.

England will be hoping their unbeaten run under run under Wiegman continues when they play the Netherlands next
3
England will be hoping their unbeaten run under run under Wiegman continues when they play the Netherlands nextCredit: ©MI News & Sport Ltd

England enjoyed the perfect start to their pre-tournament warm-up going 12 games unbeaten with their victory at Molineux

A classy Rachel Daly strike and own goals prompted by Chloe Kelly and Leah Williamson saw Belgium dispatched.

Wiegman, 52, said: "It was a good result. Three goals, lots of players on the pitch and we used all the substitutes we could use.

"You could see the depth of our team so that's good.

Read More Sports Stories

“In the first half we played well, created chances to score but we needed some more depth and runs in behind.

“I think we did that a little better in the second half.

"When you win 3-0 it is enough but when we go into the Euros we need a little more ruthlessness.”

On whether she is closer to knowing her preferred starting 11, Wiegman added: "The competition is really high and we have an opportunity for many players.

FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS - BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

“Now we are just looking for connections and we can use different qualities in different positions.

“We are getting a little closer but it's not all set.

“We still have two matches to go (against the Netherlands and Switzerland) so we will see what happens. Things can change really quickly too.”

England racked up 14 shots with five on target to Belgium’s two in the first spell.

Lucy Bronze saw her second-minute shot blocked after giving her marker the slip with Georgia Stanway sending a ninth-minute effort wide.

Read More Sports Stories

Lauren Hemp saw her shot parried wide by keeper Nicky Evrard moments later.

And Ellen White missed a golden close-range chance in front of goal near the half-hour mark

Beth Mead was denied a pen after being pulled to the turf following a clumsy Feli Delacauw challenge close to half-time before skipper Leah Williamson's shot was headed off the line.

The second half saw Wiegman ring the changes with Daly, Alex Greenwood and Chloe Kelly replacing Demi Stokes, Lotte Wubben-Moy and Beth Mead.

Chloe Kelly made her mark forcing an own goal from Belgium
3
Chloe Kelly made her mark forcing an own goal from BelgiumCredit: Getty

It proved a shrewd move with Belgium’s Amber Tysiak turning Kelly’s 62nd-minute shot into her own net.

Daly doubled the lead minutes later walloping the ball into the top corner 

And Leah Williamson's thumping strike forced Evrard to tip the ball behind her for an own goal. 

At the game, England players wore black armbands in tribute to their head coach’s sister who had passed away ahead of the clash.

Rachel Daly netted for the Lionesses who remain unbeaten under Wiegman
3
Rachel Daly netted for the Lionesses who remain unbeaten under WiegmanCredit: Getty

And Wiegman commended her squad’s poignant gesture with the team set to face the Netherlands next.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

The England chief added: "They have supported me so much. The captains came to me and asked if we could wear the armbands.

"They are such good human beings, and it shows the togetherness of the team. It was a great gesture. My sister would be proud."

Topics