England boss Wiegman expects tactical challenge against China | OneFootball

England head coach Sarina Wiegman says that China PR will pose tactical challenges when the two nations meet at Wembley Stadium on Saturday evening.

The Lionesses face the Asian nation in the third game of the ‘Homecoming Series’. England have so far been defeated by Brazil and have beaten Australia.

England’s post-EURO fixtures see them face four countries from different continents and Wiegman believes that China will bring some tactical challenges in the latest game.

“In our friendlies, we want to play teams from other continents because they challenge us in different ways,” Wiegman said when speaking in the pre-match press conference.

“We know that China are always a disciplined team with a very good structure. They can play out and they can also play a little bit more direct. We also expect them to challenge us with their tactics. Let’s see if they do what we expect them to do tomorrow, we have answers on that, we trained on that.

“What I hope is that we have the ball a lot more than them and we can improve our game. We have a game plan that fits the game tomorrow.”

After the England squad in October was hit with last minute absentees, there’s a fully-fit group for the current window. Wiegman is looking forward to again experimenting with different player combinations.

She said “We have four friendlies, two are done and now it’s China and then Ghana. It gives the opportunity to players to show themselves and where they’re at. 

“Like I’ve said before, we want to experiment a little bit, we want to see many players and try out things. That’s exactly what we are going to do tomorrow.”

England are without some experienced defensive options through injury and retirement, meaning that Wiegman will field a new-look central defensive partnership. The England boss says that those players coming in are ready to start and compete.

She said “It’s basically what we had in the last camp too but it gives opportunities for players to show themselves and to see where they’re at. 

“We have players in the squad who are already competing for starting places or more minutes. It’s really good to give that opportunity and I think players get the opportunity because they deserve it as they’ve given good performances. 

“For me, it is very exciting to see how we do that again tomorrow and Tuesday and what that will give the team.”

England’s international friendly against China PR kicks-off at 5.30pm on Saturday evening. The game is a complete sell-out.