The final round of domestic fixtures kicks off this weekend before England’s Lionesses meet up for a double-header in Spain to mark the end of a triumphant year
Sarina Wiegman made it clear that not a single minute will be wasted w hen the Lionesses meet up next week ahead of a double-header in Spain to conclude their fixtures for a history-making year.
The 2023 World Cup sits just nine months away, and the England boss has brought in new and old faces to ensure that the squad she selects for the tournament in New Zealand and Australia is the most competitive yet. Wiegman has cut herself as a creature of habit in squad selection, but the strength in depth she possesses in her squad, coupled with a need to foster competition, could prove a perfect opportunity for those players eyeing a starting berth.
With a final weekend of domestic fixtures left before England’s clashes with Japan and Norway in Murcia, Mirror Football looks at the six players who need to deliver a convincing performance this weekend to play themselves into Wiegman’s starting XI.
Fans could have been forgiven for thinking Lauren James misjudged her return to champions Chelsea from Manchester United last year given the limited game-time the 21-year-old found herself privy to. How typifying, then, is James’ patience and dedication this season as she continues to cut herself as a player unleashed.