Sarina Wiegman set to “experiment” with England squad in friendlies against China and Ghana | OneFootball

(Photo by Chris Hyde – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Sarina Wiegman said she will experiment with the England squad for their upcoming friendlies against China and Ghana.

Both friendlies will be used as a chance to test new ideas and assess fresh options as preparations begin for the qualifiers for the Women’s World Cup.

Sarina Wiegman to experiment with England lineup

Sarina Wiegman and her England squad will meet China at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, then travel to St Mary’s in Southampton to play Ghana on Tuesday.

These matches follow a mixed set of results in the previous international window. England were beaten by Brazil before returning to form with a 3-0 win over Australia. 

For Wiegman, these fixtures are less about results and more about building depth. She believes this period is the right moment to give a wide range of players meaningful minutes.

Wiegman explained that the friendlies will give “opportunities to players to show themselves” and help them fight for a regular place in the squad.

She added: “We want to experiment a little bit and see players, try out things and that’s exactly what we are doing tomorrow. We want to play countries from different continents because they challenge us in different ways. We know China are disciplined and have a good structure.”

Her approach is influenced by recent retirements and injuries that have shifted the shape of her squad.

She said: “It’s a natural thing with retirements and injuries. We can see where they are at and we have players in the squad that are already competing for a starting position and more minutes.

“It’s good to give opportunities and I think players are getting those opportunities because they deserve it with good performances.”

Reaction to the UK bid for the 2035 Women’s World Cup

Beyond the friendlies, Wiegman also reacted to the UK decision to submit a joint bid to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup.

The proposal includes 22 stadiums across the UK, including in cities like Wrexham, Birmingham,

Wiegman said it is “really exciting” to imagine what a tournament on home soil could do for the women’s game.

“It is really exciting,” she said. “I would have never dreamed we would be here where we are now. But we have a long way to go. This opportunity in 10 years’ time and what it will bring and boost will be exciting. It’s not done yet but it is exciting to see what it would look like. The women’s game is growing and we want to keep pushing.”