Revolutionizing England's Lionesses: Unveiling Sarina Wiegman's Unbeatable Tactics

Sarina Wiegman believes that instead of losing momentum, it is actually growing. She made this statement after experiencing her first loss as the England manager in April, after 30 games, almost as if she had chosen the perfect moment for it.

The incredible unbeaten run of the Lionesses was bound to come to an end, but Wiegman wanted it to happen on her own terms. She wanted a match where the result didn't hold importance, but the lessons learned were invaluable.

Despite the outcome, fans would still enjoy the occasion as the masterplan is in motion and setbacks, if handled properly, can make great teams even stronger. If the Lionesses were to suffer a friendly defeat against Australia before an important World Cup round of 16 victory (which is the earliest England can face the tournament co-hosts this summer), many will recall Wiegman's remarks from four months ago. "She was correct," they will remark. Momentum should build up during a tournament cycle, not months beforehand.

The Dutchwomen's approach is grounded in practicality and meticulousness. Despite occasionally appearing strict and severe, her professional demeanor is what has turned England from a team plagued by disappointing beginnings and near-misses into a triumphant team of champions.

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Sarina Wiegman has won European honours with the Netherlands and England

Wiegman's approach for the post-European glory era is guided by the enduring principles of consistency and cohesion that have already yielded unparalleled achievements. However, there are new challenges to conquer. The spotlight shines even brighter. The burden of expectations is heavier.

Never before has a coach accomplished consecutive continental triumphs with distinct nations─that requires a remarkable individual. Yet, the global stage represents unexplored territory, unfamiliar waters, and a heightened level of competition.

There were 333 days between the official unveiling of Wiegman and the triumphant moment when England lifted the trophy the following year. The ascent was swift and unexpected. Although England played host to the celebration, hopes for the title were merely optimistic rather than certain. However, this new phase is completely distinct - the era to revel in the radiance of Europe has now faded away.

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England pictured in open training at the Sunshine Coast Stadium in Queensland

People are closely observing England's future direction, primarily because the "trauma" that Wiegman mentions has subsided. The nation has gone 56 years without any trophy, which was only intensified by the England men's near miss with European silverware the previous year.

With the burden now alleviated, what, if any, alterations have occurred?

Interestingly, Wiegman's tough persona mellowed after her team's triumph at the 2022 Euros. With a lighthearted and modest demeanor, the manager teased about the English penchant for excessive drinking.

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Sarina Wiegman takes notes as England take on Portugal in a pre-World Cup friendly

"With these achievements, it's only fitting to celebrate," she observed, as the history-making England team proudly displayed their medals at a special gathering in Trafalgar Square. Despite the evident exhaustion on some weary faces from a night of jubilation at the Lensbury Hotel, Wiegman couldn't help but envision new strategies taking shape in the depths of her thoughts. The gears were beginning to rotate.

After achieving European glory in 2017, the Dutch coach led her native Netherlands to a World Cup final two years later. While there is a precedent for success, this time Wiegman's side faced a comprehensive defeat by the USA in France. Undoubtedly, this failure will shape and guide Wiegman's approach in the upcoming tournament.

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England's squad and staff circle around manager Sarina Wiegman after drawing 0-0 with Portugal

It is said that history serves as an exceptional instructor, and in this case, the 53-year-old individual is an exemplary student. While acknowledging the outcome of her defeat against Australia, she expressed awareness of the meticulous scrutiny they undergo. Furthermore, the heightened focus on them, due to their accomplishments last summer, poses a significant challenge to England. Consequently, it is now imperative for them to elevate their performance.

Preparation at St George's Park has been meticulous, incorporating the hiring of a specialist chrono coach to handle jet lag and fatigue management. The team has also experimented with the use of light-filtering glasses and gradually adjusted sleep patterns to align with Australian time zones.

The Lionesses' growth under Wiegman's guidance has been rooted in incremental progress. "You must establish fundamental principles within your style," she states confidently, as those should remain unchanged. However, the need for England to become more dynamic and adaptable has become evident. "Our experience against Australia highlighted the importance of being more cohesive. When you consistently win, everything seems fine, but experiencing defeat is a wake-up call. It doesn't feel good. The expectations placed upon us are extremely high, and yes, we have a dream," she revealed in her interview with the BBC.

Wiegman isn't known for variation, as evidenced by Euro 2022 where the team followed a consistent strategy. The same lineup was utilized throughout, with the same players appearing at the same points in each match. It was like clockwork.

However, England must now focus on tactical diversity. Their recent match against Portugal, which ended in a goalless draw, revealed a newfound willingness to experiment. For instance, Rachel Daly, typically a left-back, played as a forward, while Lauren James, traditionally a winger, was tested as a number 10. Additionally, the entire defensive line underwent intriguing changes.

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Lauren James played as a No 10 during the second half of England's warm-up friendly against Portugal. Despite the fact that England should have easily won the game, the 90 minutes left people surprised. However, within the camp, there was a sense of calm. Wiegman's objective was to gather information, and she assured reporters after the match that she achieved exactly that.

Returning to the masterplan, the World Cup became a more attainable goal under Wiegman's leadership as England head coach, considering the necessary time to develop a successful team with a winning mentality. Many doubted the possibility of achieving so much in such a brief span, but their success has been built on self-confidence. There is a clear vision, unity, and most importantly, trust. The same group of support staff has been selected to guide England in this tournament, as they did in the previous one.

Sarina Wiegman, the leader of the squad at St George's Park, is described as open and encouraging by her team. Ellen White, England's all-time leading goalscorer, emphasized that Wiegman never misses any detail and is a proven winner. White also praised Wiegman's communication skills and genuine interest in getting to know her players. Demi Stokes, a former England defender, echoed these sentiments and highlighted Wiegman's directness and clear goals in any match, whether it be a final or a friendly.

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Wiegman is known for her unwavering accountability as the one who makes the decisions - the head of the household. When asked about England's World Cup readiness in April, she assured reporters, "I don't easily fret. We will be well-prepared."

After all, under Wiegman, the journey has just begun.

When and where is the 2023 Women's World Cup?

The tournament commences on July 20 and concludes on August 20 at Accor Stadium in Sydney. The USA, as defending champions, aim to make history by winning the tournament for the third consecutive time.