So what happened against Brazil? The Canarinhas came out at the Etihad Stadium quickly and they were 2-0 up within 18 minutes as the Lionesses’s makeshift defence struggled with the pace of Ludmilla, Zaneratto and Dudinha. Angelina was sent off in the 21st minute and naturally, the visitor’s gameplan changed, approaching the rest of the match more timidly.
Despite the player advantage, England struggled. They registered three shots on target and four big chances, both stats the same as their opponents despite having 70% possession.
Both Suzanne Wrack and Sophie Downey were in Manchester to see England’s loss first-hand and both voiced that there is little cause for concern … yet.
But continuing weaknesses have to be a focus for Wiegman and her new cohort of assistants to try to rectify before qualification begins for the 2027 World Cup next spring. This game may turn out to be a blessing in disguise, a red flag against complacency and a reminder that lifting silverware on the international stage does not automatically fix endemic problems. If England can figure out that side of their game, there is no doubt that with the quality of personnel available, this team could push the levels of their success even higher than they have previously done.
