England Women narrowly edged out South Africa 2-1 in Coventry on Tuesday, with first-half goals from Leah Williamson and Grace Clinton proving just enough to secure the win. However, an impressive fightback from South Africa in the second half left England manager Sarina Wiegman with more questions than answers as her team struggled to dominate despite eight changes to the lineup.
This win comes after a narrow 4-3 loss to Germany last Friday, a match that saw England quickly fall behind by three goals before staging a late rally. Tuesday’s performance against South Africa, ranked 50th by FIFA, highlighted ongoing challenges for the Lionesses as they prepare for next summer’s European Championships.
Early Goals Mask England’s Defensive Vulnerabilities
The game started with promise for England as they quickly capitalized on an energetic opening. Leah Williamson, making her 50th appearance and captaining the side, opened the scoring in the 12th minute, slotting a pass from Jessica Naz into the bottom corner. Not long after, Grace Clinton doubled the lead with a powerful header, assisted by her Manchester United teammate Maya Le Tissier.
Despite the early dominance, England’s defense soon revealed vulnerabilities. South Africa found gaps behind the backline, with Thembi Kgatlana, South Africa’s standout forward, testing England’s composure with her relentless attacks. As the game progressed, the Lionesses’ early momentum waned, and they failed to maintain their grip on the match.
Wiegman’s decision to field an experimental lineup gave several players a chance to shine, but it also exposed England’s lack of cohesion. “We were a bit sloppy at times,” Wiegman admitted after the game. “The second half was tough, and we need to learn how to stay sharp across 90 minutes, especially when we try new setups.”
Second-Half Struggles: England Falter Under Pressure
After the break, South Africa intensified their efforts, putting England on the back foot. Kgatlana, in particular, capitalized on England’s defensive lapses, cutting through the Lionesses’ lines and firing a composed finish past Mary Earps to bring the score to 2-1. The goal sparked a wave of pressure from the visitors as England scrambled to regain control.
England’s defensive uncertainties grew more evident, with Kgatlana once again threatening to equalize, only for Lucy Bronze to step in with a critical last-minute block. Later, Kgatlana seemed to find the back of the net once more, only to see her effort ruled offside, saving England from a potentially game-changing equalizer.
England’s defense has been a sore point in recent matches, with the team struggling to keep clean sheets against mid-level opponents. The absence of a solid, coordinated backline left England exposed, and Wiegman acknowledged the need for improvement: “We have to cut out these moments of sloppiness. It’s not just about the scoreline—it’s about building consistency.”
- Key Issues in the Second Half:
- Loose passing and lack of defensive coordination allowed South Africa multiple scoring chances.
- England’s early momentum faded, with few meaningful chances in the latter stages.
- Substitute Lucy Bronze and goalkeeper Mary Earps were forced into high-stakes saves.
A Balancing Act: Experimenting with New Lineups Ahead of Euro 2024
Wiegman’s lineup featured eight changes from Friday’s match against Germany, with the aim of evaluating different players and tactical setups. Yet, while experimenting with new combinations can yield valuable insights, the Lionesses’ inconsistent form suggests that fine-tuning is still required.
The experimental approach saw established players like Georgia Stanway, Beth Mead, and Williamson hold their places, providing stability amid the changes. But the frequent switches in position and new partnerships appeared to hinder England’s overall fluidity. Clinton, one of the night’s high points, delivered a standout performance, demonstrating chemistry with Le Tissier in the first half. Yet even her efforts weren’t enough to overshadow England’s struggles in finding rhythm as a cohesive unit.
Wiegman acknowledged that this testing phase is essential for future success, noting, “This is the time to look at new options, to see how players adapt. But we also need to move forward. Some moments worked well; others, we clearly need to improve.”
England’s preparation for Euro 2024 is expected to continue with further experimentation, as Wiegman works to find the right balance between seasoned regulars and emerging talent. The Lionesses will have more chances to refine their tactics in upcoming friendlies, with opponents like the United States and Switzerland likely to present new challenges.
England’s Next Steps: Challenges and Opportunities
Despite Tuesday’s unconvincing win, England’s journey is far from over. They now have just over a month to regroup before meeting the formidable U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) on November 30, followed by Switzerland on December 3. These matches will be crucial as Wiegman aims to fine-tune her team, particularly in light of the defensive lapses and loss of momentum displayed against South Africa.
These high-level matchups provide valuable learning opportunities, offering England a taste of the competition they can expect in the Euros. For Wiegman, the upcoming games are more than just friendlies—they are a litmus test for the Lionesses’ readiness, a chance to gauge whether her experimental strategies can withstand the rigors of elite international play.
“Playing opponents from different continents gives us new experiences,” Wiegman said, expressing her view on the need for a diverse pre-tournament schedule. “We learn, we grow, and hopefully, we’ll be ready when it matters.”
With these upcoming tests, England’s fans will hope that Tuesday’s less-than-perfect performance was merely a hiccup in the Lionesses’ broader preparation for the Euros.
