Wiegman unfazed by lack of goals as experimental England beat Switzerland

Sarina Wiegman attempted to allay fears about England’s attacking shortcomings after an experimental Lionesses lineup edged out Switzerland 1-0 at Bramall Lane.

Manchester United’s Grace Clinton scored the only goal of Tuesday’s friendly in the eighth minute, as England rounded off 2024 with a hard-fought victory.

Wiegman made 10 changes to her starting lineup following their goalless draw with the United States last weekend, and the European champions were not at their free-flowing best in attack once again.

They only hit the target with three of their 13 shots and they have now failed to score in two of their last four matches, having not done so in 13 straight games following their loss to Spain in the 2023 World Cup final.

Wiegman, though, is sure they will be better when they begin their Women’s Nations League campaign in February.

“We played a good first half, we totally played in their half of the pitch and created chances,” Wiegman said of England’s performance.

“We just found spaces, overloads and pockets. In the second half we didn’t do that.

“They pressed a bit higher, but we were more sloppy and that was a harder half.”

Asked if England’s attacking issues were a long-term concern, she added: “No, I don’t see that. We played many players and we did different things.

“We are just trying out these things and learning as much about ourselves. In February we go again.”

Despite winning the last edition of the Euros in 2022, England will be in pot two alongside Italy, Iceland and Denmark when the Euro 2025 group-stage draw takes place on December 16.

As tournament hosts, Switzerland will be in pot one alongside world champions Spain, as well as Germany and France.