Wiegman pleased with England’s improved defensive performance against the United States | OneFootball

England head coach Sarina Wiegman said that she was pleased with her side’s improved defensive performance after they held the United States to a goalless draw at Wembley last night.

A little over a month on from their 4-3 defeat to Germany in their last Wembley outing, The Lionesses put in a much more solid display, largely keeping Emma Hayes’ United States side quiet throughout the 90 minutes.

When speaking to the media in the post-match press conference, England head coach Wiegman admitted that she was pleased with how her side defended against the Olympic Gold Medalists.

“I thought it was a very intense game,” Wiegman said. “Of course, we knew that the United States were very dynamic, very explosive and they want to go forwards.

“Our defence was solid. I think we were defending very well as a team, very strong. They challenged us at moments down the sides and tried to create overloads but I think we saw that off well. They were also dangerous at moments in the box but I though we defended that pretty good.

“In possession, I think we wanted to keep the ball better in the first half. Sometimes, we got out of the press, we went forward but lost the ball too quickly. We also switched from sides and we had a really good opportunity to go in-behind or create a good chance but we lost it too fast. In the second half, we got momentum and we did better. Both teams went for the win but I think nil-nil [was fair] because so many things happened [defensively] in-front of goal.”

Going on to discuss England’s defensive improvements further, Wiegman highlighted better distribution of the ball and less critical errors.

She said “Last month, we had moments where we would pass and lose it when there was no pressure. I think we still had some moments in this game where there was half-pressure and we lost the ball when we shouldn’t lose it but that’s football. I think we did it a lot better.

“When we lose the ball when we are expansive, of course, we become very vulnerable. We could not afford to do that today, so I think we did a lot better and I’m happy with the team’s performance.”

An attendance of 78,346 was recorded at Wembley, a world record for an international friendly match and Wiegman said that she was grateful for the huge support.

She said “It’s incredible and I’ll never take that for granted. It’s so special to be here at Wembley, playing the USA in a high-intensity game, in-front of a huge crowd that made incredible noise.

“These are the games that you want to play, it’s so exciting. I think we both wanted to win and wanted to make it an exciting game too.”

England are next in action on Tuesday evening when they face Switzerland in an international friendly at Bramall Lane in Sheffield.