Sarina Wiegman proved what England fans already knew in China rout

02 August 2023 , 15:58

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Sarina Wiegman made a tactical switch against China (Image: Photo by Naomi Baker)

Moments before England's decisive Group D clash with China got underway in Adelaide, Sarina Wiegman stood on the touchline wearing a bemused expression.

The cause of her consternation? A strobe light show at Hindmarsh Stadium. The clip quickly went viral - the total juxtaposition between Wiegman's stoic, self-possessed figure and the controlled chaos of the gaudy pre-match entertainment perfectly encapsulating the Dutchwoman's understated managerial maxim.

Wiegman herself has, on more than one occassion, acknowledged her innately serious disposition. "When I was a player, I was pretty serious – as you can imagine," she told the media last month.

"It’s not that I never laughed, I enjoyed myself. But I was very serious and always wanted to do well. It was very strict and very directed."

But, while an element of that resolute focus and inscrutability still endures, it was a different facet of Wiegman's management style - her impeccable tactical acumen - on display in Adelaide on Tuesday evening.

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In the days leading up to the Lionesses' meeting with China, the England boss had had to field some pretty uncomfortable questions. Will Keira Walsh - England's marvelous midfield metronome - feature again this summer? If not, how will the team cope without her?

And can the Lionesses rediscover their ruthless streak in time for the business end of the tournament?

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By the time the full-time whistle blew at Hindmarsh Stadium, the latter two questions had been answered in quite emphatic fashion. England had completely pulverised their opposition - romping to a 6-1 victory - and it was thanks in no small part to Wiegman's inspired tactical tweak.

The tried and trusted 4-3-3 had been ditched in favour of a 3-4-1-2. In came Jess Carter, who possessed a renewed sense of confidence alongside clubmate Millie Bright and Alex Greenwood in a back three.

Katie Zelem, making her first ever start at a major tournament, partnered Georgia Stanway in the middle of the park, while, up front, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo were elected chief tormentors of the China defence.

And it took less than four minutes for Russo to get England off the mark, the Arsenal striker beating Zhu Yu at her near post with a deft finish that belied the fact it was just her second international goal in 10 months. Instantly, it was like a weight had been lifted.

Instead of cutting an isolated, somewhat frustrated, figure up front, Russo looked every inch the player who elicited a world-record bid from the Gunners in January. It didn't take long for her new strike partner to get off the mark either.

A sublime touch and finish from Hemp made it 2-0 England inside 26 minutes, with the Manchester City winger yet another beneficiary of Wiegman's formational shift. The wing-backs, Lucy Bronze and Rachel Daly also excelled, with the new system affording them far greater license to operate higher up the pitch.

But it was Lauren James, England's prodigious attacking luminary, whose star shone the brightest.

The Chelsea forward - dubbed a 'Cheat Code' by her teammates, such are the heights of her near unfathomable talent - was given free reign to play pretty much wherever she wanted to. Primarily occupying the pocket behind England's front two, James was mesmeric, notching two sublime goals and three assists.

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It was clear that she, too, was reaping the rewards of Wiegman's tactical change. By the time Daly volleyed in the sixth goal of the day - after substitute Chloe Kelly had scored their fifth - England were exhibiting all of the style and swagger that propelled them to European glory last summer, and may yet lead to another piece of silverware in a few short weeks time.

Lauren James impressed Sarina Wiegman as the player of the match in Sydney (Visionhaus via Getty Images)

"We always try to use qualities of the squad," Wiegman said after the game. "Or as optimally as possible. We have played with a three at the back and then did things a little differently.

"Everyone really believed in the formation straight away and you could see that on the pitch. We got a higher press. The team showed we are really adaptable and we knew we could press the centre backs of China. This team have showed they are adaptable before and that we can change shape very easily.

"We knew we could press the centre-backs of China, but it is always about how we use our qualities the most."

Of course, Wiegman will know there are sterner tests still to come. Nigeria, as yet unbeaten at this tournament, await in the Round of 16, while Germany, France and co-hosts Australia are among the potential opponents en route to the Final.

However, against China, the Lionesses once more looked like serious contenders for the World Cup trophy.

And, while England fans' belief that Wiegman is the best manager in the women's game comes with a caveat of irrefutable bias, Tuesday's display proved that they may just be right.

Beth Lindop