The four puzzles Sarina Wiegman must solve if the Lionesses are to retain their Euro crown this year, writes TARA ANSON-WALSH


The Lionesses are preparing to defend their Euro crown in Switzerland in this year's biggest soccer tournament.

Here, Mail Sport looks at England's situation and the issues it needs to address before July…

Let Keira loose

Keira Walsh is England's best player, the crucial link between defense and attack. She is the midfield pivot that allows England to play out from the back with efficiency and guile. The problem is that everyone knows it, so opponents regularly take her out of the game.

With Walsh shackled, England lack creative spark and are often forced to go further. Spain and Aitana Bonmati kept the Barcelona midfielder at bay during the 2023 World Cup final and emerged triumphant.

Playing another deep-lying midfielder alongside Walsh could help, and Leicester's 21-year-old Ruby Mace can fill that role. Mace impressed on her debut against Switzerland last month, looking calm and collected on the ball and astute defensively.

Sarina Wiegman played with Mace instead of Walsh on that occasion, but the two were able to play together, allowing Walsh to reach further up the pitch to produce his world-class long-range passes, safe in the knowledge that there was someone behind her to order.

Keira Walsh is England's best player and should be allowed to dictate the pace of the game.

Keira Walsh is England's best player and should be allowed to dictate the pace of the game.

It's up to Sarina Wiegman to get the best out of her midfield ace this summer

It's up to Sarina Wiegman to get the best out of her midfield ace this summer

Ruby Mace (pictured) could be an option to play alongside Walsh in a holding midfield role.

Ruby Mace (pictured) could be an option to play alongside Walsh in a holding midfield role.

Keep the Laurens in shape

In the most recent international week, England only had four shots on goal and scored one goal in games against the United States and Switzerland, the latter team ranked 23rd in the world.

That this has come during the absence of star attackers Lauren James and Lauren Hemp, who have been out of action for club and country for some time due to injuries, is no coincidence.

James, 24, burst onto the international stage during the 2023 World Cup and demonstrated an uncanny ability to create chances out of nowhere. At times it is as if the ball is glued to the Chelsea player's feet as she slides between defenders, and she has the ability to finish from long distance, as well as wreak havoc in the opposition box.

Hemp initially flew under the radar, perhaps because she is regularly the player who sets the goals, rather than takes the glory, but her absence becomes more acute with each game. She is lightning quick and one of England's best finishers.

Alessia Russo's welcome return to her best scoring form will be a consolation for Wiegman, but the Lionesses coach will not be able to rest easy until the two Laurens return in the coming weeks and complete her exciting attacking triumvirate.

Lauren James showed her class at the 2023 World Cup but has since battled injuries.

Lauren James showed her class at the 2023 World Cup but has since battled injuries.

Lauren Hemp has also been sidelined and it is imperative she gets back to Euro fitness.

Lauren Hemp has also been sidelined and it is imperative she gets back to Euro fitness.

Who enters the goal?

England have improved a lot defensively in their last two matches, with Leah Williamson regaining her form and confidence, Lucy Bronze at her best and Millie Bright and Jess Carter characteristically solid. While the news that Alex Greenwood underwent knee surgery last month will be a cause for concern, there is still hope that this will not impede his path to the Euros.

And England have plenty of options at the back too, with Millie Turner and Maya Le Tissier impressing this season.

But there is still one uncertainty: the goalkeeper. Wiegman has been rotating Hannah Hampton and Mary Earps depending on the club's form, with Hampton establishing herself firmly with Sonia Bompastor at Chelsea in a way that Earps struggled with when she first moved to PSG.

Since then, Earps, 31, has cemented her position as number one at the French club and has traditionally been the more convincing of the pair in an England shirt.

The Earps' penalty save during the World Cup final and that reaction is still etched in the mind, and their dominance of the box means they still have the advantage over Hampton. Either way, for the sake of stability at the back, Wiegman must choose as soon as possible.

Mary Earps has never let England down, but her place in goal is at risk ahead of the Euros

Mary Earps has never let England down, but her place in goal is at risk ahead of the Euros

Wiegman must decide whether to stick with the more experienced Earps or opt for Hannah Hampton (pictured)

Wiegman must decide whether to stick with the more experienced Earps or opt for Hannah Hampton (pictured)

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Make the correct rotation

This England team is packed with young, raw talent, and Grace Clinton, Jess Park and Jess Naz have given Wiegman something to think about this year.

At times Wiegman has become too predictable. Gone are the days when Russo and Ella Toone could come on in the 70th minute to shake up opponents. This Leonas team is put together and the solution is to mix things up.

As Manchester United's number 10, Clinton has probably made his strongest case this year. The 21-year-old has only made five senior appearances but shows a natural leadership on the pitch that far surpasses her age.

The fact that she has been the only goalscorer in England's last two games is a testament to her ability to bring something different to this team.



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