Sarina Wiegman's tactical tweak in victory over the Netherlands allowed the Gotham defender to thrive, just days after her nightmare against France
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There were several questions about England's starting line-up coming into the European Championships. With some real competition for places, it was tough to know which direction Sarina Wiegman might take in certain areas. Would it be Beth Mead or Chloe Kelly on the right of the attack? Had Ella Toone done enough to secure the No.10 role? And what about Lauren James? Was she fit to start or would she be a valuable impact sub? Regardless of the eventual decisions, it felt like each position was in a good place ahead of the tournament kicking off.
At left-back, it was a different feeling. This is a role that has presented problems for Wiegman throughout her entire tenure to date, with there no natural fits in her Lionesses' squad. Niamh Charles starts there for Chelsea and, despite having her flaws given she's actually a forward, it has long been her position to lose when it comes to England. However, some encouraging performances in recent outings from Jess Carter saw her usurp her former club-mate to earn the chance to start against France in England's Euro 2025 opener. It's fair to say it didn't go well. Carter was run ragged by Delphine Cascarino, who excelled in Les Bleues' 2-1 victory.
In the aftermath, many pondered whether Wiegman would address the situation or stick to her guns. It would turn out to be the former as, despite her reputation as someone who doesn't make changes, owing to her consistent XI at Euro 2022, the Lionesses boss was under no illusions: This was a problem that needed fixing. So, just as she did at the 2023 Women's World Cup, the Dutchwoman made a change that highlighted why she is the best manager in the international women's game right now – and one that showed why Carter is an asset in England's European title defence, not a weak link.
Getty ImagesWeak link?
The latter was an opinion thrown around plenty in the wake of England's 2-1 defeat to France. It was understandable. Carter won only two of her five ground duels and was exposed for her lack of pace by the electric Cascarino, who was described by Emma Hayes as "by far and away the best player" this season in the NWSL, the top-flight in the United States, while on punditry for .
But many critics were unaware – or ignoring the fact – that Carter was being played out of position. Yes, she can fill in as a full-back on either side when necessary, but she is a centre-back. That's where she plays for her club, Gotham, in the U.S, and that is where she is best.
"I don’t think you ever get used to it," she said in an interview with earlier this year, asked about playing various different positions. "I feel like I’m an out and out defender. I don’t enjoy the attacking side of the game as much, but helping the team and being on the pitch is great. I played left-back a lot and I hate it! If it’s between left-back or not playing, I’ll play left-back, but it’s not a role I enjoy."
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTactical tweaks
Tournament football is unforgiving and Wiegman had to make a change, especially with England on the brink of an early exit. Still, she deserves credit for making the right one. Instead of just swapping Charles in for Carter and hoping for the best, or opting for a more drastic formation change, she simply switched Carter with Alex Greenwood, who was playing centre-back but has history at left-back.
"That had to do with a couple of things," Wiegman explained. "The pace that the Netherlands have, and we expected that in the centre, where they wanted a lot of runs in behind. They also had pace now with Chasity Grant on our [left-hand] side, and with Alex, her left foot, on the left side, in possession we hoped we would distribute more going forward."
Getty ImagesMuch-improved performance
It worked perfectly. Both Carter and Greenwood were excellent and the England defence looked much more solid in general in the 4-0 win. "Me and Alex didn't feel connected in the France game and this game felt the total opposite with her and the whole team," Carter told . "Alex was phenomenal at left-back."
Carter deserved her own praise too, though, as arguably the best of the back four. She made more clearances than any other England player, won both of her tackles and was second only to Keira Walsh for how often she won possession back, while Lucy Bronze praised her for how she "was completely covering [Greenwood] every single minute of the game". "You put in the hard work to make sure you’re doing a job for the team and that your team-mate has got your back. Those two really embodied that and gave a lot of the rest of the team confidence."
Getty ImagesProving her worth
It felt like a performance in which Carter hit back at critics. After all, this is a player who was outstanding when England reached the World Cup final two years ago, thriving in a back three that she believes brings the best out of her. "I think the only thing I had to prove was to myself," she countered, to . "I know I belong on this stage. Every single one of these players belongs on this stage.
"After the France game there was a bit of doubt. Are we good enough? After analysing the game we moved on from it. We showed what we can do. I wasn't focusing on [the Netherlands]. I was focusing on what I could do and how I could help my team."
