“It’s just another game” is the message being reiterated within the England camp forward of their match towards Wales.
The truth is, these had been the precise phrases utilized by England defender Alex Greenwood in her pre-match press convention within the stadium at St Gallen, the place Sunday evening’s showdown shall be performed.
“For me, it’s another game,” she stated, alongside England supervisor Sarina Wiegman. “It’s now the most important game we’re going to play and that’s how I treat it.
“For the followers and all people round it, the rivalry is sensible. The ambiance tomorrow goes to be nice and it is one thing we should always all look ahead to.”
However the Lionesses additionally know they’re combating one thing intangible of their last group sport.
It is a grudge match, one that does not happen in worldwide soccer fairly often.
It is easy to arrange for a staff given the protection and assets within the sport nowadays, however we have all seen in derbies through the years how ardour, tenacity and a bloody-mindedness to beat your neighbour can create upsets.
Something aside from a win might dump the champions out of the event, and nothing is being taken without any consideration.
England are getting ready to have quite a lot of possession towards their outdated foes however they’ve additionally been engaged on physicality, set items and pulling stout defences aside.
Merely giving the ball to the ever-dangerous Lauren James and Lauren Hemp will not be sufficient to bludgeon by means of a Wales staff with ambitions to go away a mark on this competitors.
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Following a troublesome begin to the marketing campaign, how can we count on Sarina Wiegman to choose the staff towards Wales?
Creativity shall be key for Sarina Wiegman, which is one thing England have lacked at instances since their Euros win three years in the past.
Getting essentially the most out of Lucy Bronze from full-back and Ella Toone from the center might be key if England don’t need issues to get uncomfortable.
Wiegman provided a small perception into how the Lionesses are planning on taking over their neighbours, saying: “I hope we will see a game where we have a lot of the ball and we play very well in possession so we don’t let it come into a fighting game.
“I am not anxious however Wales as a staff are very compact, they’ll combat, they’re actually collectively. After they have the ball, they’ll play direct and so they need to play too.
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Anton Toloui and Tara Anson-Walsh mentioned England’s complete 4-0 victory over the Netherlands at Euro 2025
“We just try to prevent that and the best way to do that is to be good on the ball yourself, move quickly and try to exploit the spaces.
“There’s at all times strain on England and that is by means of expectations. We count on from ourselves that we’ll play a superb sport… hopefully we now have the ball so much and we will exploit areas.”
Wales followers have come to Switzerland of their 1000’s and St Gallen will not be an exception.
The Lionesses should break down a Purple Wall on the pitch and within the stands in the event that they’re to achieve success and hold qualification for the knockouts in their very own palms.
