Lionesses Faced a Tough Challenge in World Cup Opener, but Prevailed with Crucial Win against Haiti - What Adjustments Are Needed?
England's lackluster performance in their World Cup opener against Haiti resulted in a narrow 1-0 win; Georgia Stanway's penalty secured the victory Sky Sports delves into the areas that demand improvement for the Lionesses, including the need to unleash Russo as the starting forward and evaluating James' starting position Additionally, the emergence of Dumornay as a rising star is worth noting
We' reporters and writers dissect England's World Cup opener against Haiti, as Georgia Stanway's penalty earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory...
Hardly vintage England
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Haiti's Melchie Dumornay engages in a ball battle with England's Millie Bright.
Thankfully, in tournament matches, the outcome takes precedence over anything else. If performance were to carry weight, England would have hardly made an impact. However, they managed to secure three points, although their efforts were fairly meager.
The second half showed significant improvement compared to a particularly subpar first period. Sarina Wiegman's famous notepad and pencil were frequently in use on the sidelines, in stark contrast to England's lack of fluency on the field. The midfield had too many gaps, the defense showed some vulnerabilities, and England was frequently caught in transition.
What was most worrisome was the frequent defensive mistakes. This lineup is a new arrangement, with only Millie Bright and Lucy Bronze remaining from England's Euros quartet, and it is clear that they need time to develop chemistry. Haiti was able to exploit the spaces left unattended by the English players, which is a cause for concern.
Russo deserves nod up top
: Nevertheless, it is the victorious beginning that holds utmost significance. The Lionesses gradually gained strength during the previous Euro championship and will adopt a comparable mindset for this tournament. Building momentum requires a certain amount of time. After all, Wiegman consistently retains control, and it is unimaginable for anyone to challenge the masterplan of the Dutchwoman.
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England's Alessia Russo showcased her value as a player, especially considering that the team has not scored a goal from open play in 337 minutes. Russo's contribution will be crucial in breaking this streak. While her goal-scoring abilities are not the sole reason for manager Wiegman choosing her over Rachel Daly, she possesses all the necessary qualities to make a significant impact in the tournament.
She exhibits an exceptional ability to connect plays, showcasing her talent. Her skills include seamlessly dropping back, exploiting gaps, distracting defenders, and generating opportunities. Her proficiency in these areas is what makes her a preferred choice. On any given day, her swift turn and quick shot in the 59th minute would have found the bottom right corner of the net. Undoubtedly, she constantly challenged goalkeeper Kerly Theus.
England possesses potent weapons on the flanks - Chloe Kelly and Lauren Hemp propel the ball forward with determined intent and require a central focus. Russo desires to fulfill that role.
Should James start?
Daly joined the action for the concluding minutes and had a couple of chances with his head, although he couldn't effectively challenge Theus. To inject some freshness into the game, it might be worth considering Lauren James as an option in the No. 10 position to support Russo's distribution.
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England's Lauren James showcases her ball control skills as she confidently maneuvers on the field. Prior to the tournament, there was a significant curiosity surrounding James, and the demand for her participation only grew louder. When James stepped in as a substitute for Hemp in the 61st minute, her impact on the game became evident. England's ball movement gained momentum and displayed enhanced speed.
"We need to improve our possession game, striving for quicker movement," Wiegman stated after the match. James brings great energy and a sense of urgency. She excels in carrying the ball, surpassing any other player, and possesses the cleverness to unsettle defenders, overcoming challenges and creating opportunities.
England showed a degree of predictability in their match against Haiti - lacking the necessary depth in their gameplay. James adds a unique element, capable of occupying the central position or venturing out wide.
Dumornay: A star is born
Melchie Dumornay has already showcased her talent at a World Cup.
At the young age of 14, she earned a spot in Haiti's U20 World Cup team, showcasing her talent. Now 19, she continues to excel on the grand stage of senior level competition.
Despite Haiti's loss against England, Dumornay stood out as the star player of the match. It was unfortunate for her Caribbean nation that she was unable to capitalize on the brilliant chances she created. Haiti missed out on three scoring opportunities.
Her teammates were simply unable to match her level or understanding - a trend that seems to be common among players in this tournament, given their performance. She effortlessly glided with the ball, leaving England players struggling in one-on-one encounters. With an impressive record of 18 goals and 11 assists for Reims this season, she has secured a transfer to the prestigious Lyon, the eight-time European champions. Based on her remarkable performance here, it is evident that she possesses exceptional qualities.
