Sarina Wiegman, the head coach of England’s women’s football team, has expressed her concern about the congested international calendar, with England players already back in camp for two Nations League games just a month after their World Cup final defeat against Spain.
Wiegman emphasized the need for collaboration between FIFA and UEFA to address the issue, stating, “The game is growing, which is really good, but it has to grow together, and players need some rest too.” Many players had only six days off after the high-pressure World Cup competition, which Wiegman considers inadequate for recovery.
Several players, including Lotte Wubben–Moy and Alessia Russo, have been actively participating in matches like the Champions League qualifiers since returning from Australia. The coach acknowledged the challenges of managing player fitness and freshness, particularly when major tournaments occur frequently in the summer.
Despite the physical demands, Wiegman highlighted the importance of striking a balance between player readiness and team performance. Key players like Keira Walsh and Beth England are unavailable due to injuries, but Wiegman reassured that these are not major concerns.
The coach also mentioned considering the inclusion of Beth Mead and Fran Kirby, who are recovering from injuries, in future squads.
As England prepares to face Scotland and the Netherlands in the Nations League, Wiegman expressed hope for positive negotiations between the players and the Football Association regarding World Cup bonuses. She remains positive about the outcome, emphasizing that communication between the FA and players has been good.
In closing, Wiegman encouraged focusing on the celebration of football and the achievements of Spanish players who won the World Cup, echoing her previous message to make the world better for players and continue improving women’s football.
