‘It’s all really sad’ – Sarina Wiegman on global conflict and safety concerns ahead of Lionesses World Cup qualifiers | OneFootball

England manager Sarina Wiegman expressed her sadness at Ukraine’s inability to host their World Cup qualifier against the Lionesses due to the ongoing conflict, with the fixture taking place against a backdrop of wider global unrest.

The Lionesses begin their 2027 World Cup qualifying campaign on Tuesday, facing Ukraine in the first of six group matches. 

Despite being the home side, Ukraine will stage the match in Antalya, Turkey, as the conflict in their country continues. Wiegman also addressed the broader security situation amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

“We think about that, it is really sad,” the Lionesses boss said. “The reason we are here is not nice, we want Ukraine to be able to play in their home country so that makes it all really sad.

“The things they have in front of them in their country are really horrible. We hope that this game is competitive and is an opportunity for Ukraine to show themselves in another way where hopefully football unites and brings some joy.”

Bayern Munich midfielder Georgia Stanway added: “We are in a fortunate position. We sometimes do take things for granted but times like this make you realise the bigger picture.

“Football is our common goal. That’s the beauty of football, it brings us together that deep connection, deep love for the game and solidarity.”

Due to the unpredictability of growing security concerns in the Middle East, many media outlets chose not to travel to Turkey for the fixture and pre-match activities. 

Wiegman said that the team have been reassured and remain in close contact with the UK government about the situation.

“We have had reassurances and we are in close contact with our government,” Wiegman said.

“Of course we are concerned about what is happening in the world, that is not nice. You don’t want war so that makes it really hard.

“We are here now, there is close contact with our government and if they think it’s not safe here, we will go back.”