England Lionesses head coach Sarina Wiegman has attributed her team’s fading performance in the second half of Friday night’s 1-1 draw against Portugal to tactical adjustments made by their opponents. The Dutch manager, known for her meticulous analysis and strategic acumen, pointed out that Portugal altered their approach after halftime, catching England off guard and ultimately forcing a late equalizer. While acknowledging the result as a learning opportunity, Wiegman emphasized the importance of adapting quickly to such changes in future matches.
The friendly encounter at St. Mary’s Stadium in Southampton began brightly for the Lionesses, who took an early lead through Alessia Russo’s clinical finish just six minutes into the game. Buoyed by their strong start, England dominated possession and created several promising chances throughout the first half. However, the narrative shifted dramatically after the break, with Portugal growing in confidence and eventually leveling the score through Dina Gonçalves’ well-taken strike in the 73rd minute.
When asked about the reasons behind England’s dip in form during the second period, Wiegman was quick to highlight Portugal’s proactive response. “They changed things up at halftime,” she explained during her post-match press conference. “Portugal adjusted their shape and became more aggressive in pressing us higher up the pitch. They also started utilizing the wings more effectively, which caused us some problems.”
Wiegman’s observations were supported by Portugal’s increased intensity and willingness to exploit spaces left open by England’s midfield and defense. Under head coach Francisco Neto, the Portuguese side demonstrated remarkable resilience, capitalizing on England’s inability to maintain the same level of control they exhibited earlier in the match. This adaptability underlined the growing competitiveness of European women’s football, where even smaller nations are now capable of challenging established powers like England.
For the Lionesses, the draw served as a reminder of the challenges ahead as they prepare for upcoming qualifiers and tournaments. Despite winning Euro 2022 on home soil last summer, Wiegman insists her squad cannot afford to rest on its laurels. “We know we’re not perfect,” she admitted. “Every game is an opportunity to learn, and tonight showed us areas where we need to improve.”
One area of concern highlighted by Wiegman was England’s susceptibility to counterattacks, particularly when transitioning from attack to defense. Portugal exploited this vulnerability multiple times during the second half, stretching the Lionesses’ backline and forcing goalkeeper Mary Earps into crucial saves. Although Earps kept England in contention with her heroics, Wiegman stressed the importance of tightening up defensively to avoid conceding soft goals in high-stakes matches.
“We gave them too many opportunities to break away from us,” Wiegman said. “That’s something we’ll work on in training because it’s unacceptable at this level. We can’t let teams punish us so easily when we lose the ball.”
On the flip side, Wiegman praised her team’s attacking intent and creativity, especially in the opening stages of the match. Beth Mead, who returned to action after recovering from injury, provided a spark down the flanks, while Russo continued her impressive form since breaking into the starting lineup. These performances underscored the depth and quality available to Wiegman, giving her plenty of options moving forward.
However, the manager cautioned against complacency, urging her players to remain focused on continuous improvement. “We have incredible talent in this squad, but talent alone isn’t enough,” she remarked. “We need consistency in our performances and the ability to adjust to different styles of play. That’s what separates the best teams from the rest.”
Portugal’s resurgence in the second half offered valuable lessons for the Lionesses, particularly in terms of mental fortitude and tactical flexibility. As Wiegman noted, modern football demands quick thinking and adaptability, qualities that will be tested further as England face tougher opposition in the coming months. The draw against Portugal serves as a wake-up call, reinforcing the notion that no lead is safe unless maintained with discipline and precision.
Looking ahead, Wiegman expressed optimism about her team’s potential, citing their capacity for growth and resilience. “This group has shown time and again that they can bounce back stronger from setbacks,” she said. “Tonight was another step in our journey, and I’m confident we’ll use it to become better.”
The Lionesses’ next challenge comes in the form of World Cup qualifiers, where they will aim to secure qualification for the 2023 tournament in Australia and New Zealand. With fierce competition looming, Wiegman knows her team must address their shortcomings while building on their strengths. “We’re working hard every day to make sure we’re ready for whatever comes our way,” she concluded. “There’s still a lot of work to do, but I believe in this group and what we’re capable of achieving.”
As England continues its quest for dominance on the international stage, Friday’s draw against Portugal acts as both a cautionary tale and a source of motivation. By studying their opponent’s tactics and refining their own strategies, the Lionesses can ensure they remain at the forefront of women’s football—a position they earned through dedication and excellence but must defend through constant evolution. Under Wiegman’s guidance, the path forward may be fraught with challenges, but the Lionesses are poised to embrace them with determination and skill.
