Wiegman: 'Keep trying, keep playing football'

Sarina Wiegman admits she’s been left with plenty to think about after Tuesday’s 2-1 victory over South Africa in Coventry.

First-half goals from Leah Williamson and Grace Clinton put England two goals ahead, but the visitors pulled a goal back after the break and had further opportunities after that.

And Wiegman believes her players have to retain their belief in the football they play, as focus now turns to November’s game with USA and the clash with Switzerland in early December.

"In the first half, we played well but in the second half we had some struggle moments,” admitted Wiegman.

“We were a little bit too sloppy. We had sloppy moments in the first half too, but created some chances from corners and from open play. We scored a very good goal and in the second half, we got there [forward] and were a little bit sloppy. On the counter attack, they were very fast and that was hard for us.

"[We need to] Keep trying, keep playing football and keep playing forwards.

“Some passes are easy and some are in connections, just feeling. At moments in transition, they would really jump on us. So it’s about making better decisions, talking about it and moving forward."

Wiegman was happy to see her captain open the goalscoring too, as Williamson struck the Lionesses ahead on what was her 50th appearance for the senior team.

"That was nice, really nice,” she added.

“We'd been talking about it and practising the corner, so that was really nice for her and the 50th cap makes it something even extra in this game."

With more games to come next month and early next year before UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 takes place next summer, Wiegman knows there is plenty of competition for spaces in her squad.

So she was pleased with the performance of some of those players who had a chance to impress such as Jess Park and Clinton.

"I wanted to see them start,” revealed Wiegman.

“Jess stretches, runs in behind and in some details she can be even more positive.

“Grace felt well, she was tight on the ball despite a couple of moments, and both of them found pockets of space.

“When she found space she headed (the goal), which was really good."

Tickets for both England’s game with USA at Wembley on Saturday 29 November and the match with Switzerland in Sheffield on Tuesday 3 December remain on sale.