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Match in Focus: England 2-1 Italy
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Match in Focus: England 2-1 Italy

Sarina Wiegman gave opportunities to a lot of her squad against Italy, with a lot of them taking the opportunity to impress the head coach

Feb 19, 2023
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Match in Focus: England 2-1 Italy
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Katie Robinson was one of those who shone vs Italy

Sarina Wiegman opened the door

Sarina Wiegman often doesn't make too many changes to her England side, even in friendlies, but she did promise them after Thursday's win over Korea Republic. Nobody probably quite expected nine of them, but it showed that despite a successful winning eleven, a majority of which are still very much involved, from last summer's Euros, Wiegman gave opportunities to a variety of players against Italy.

Many took their opportunities too, with Rachel Daly scoring both goals from her number nine role, and Katie Robinson shining with an assist on the wing. Jess Park was also lively while Laura Coombs a little quieter, but tidy, and Niamh Charles got forward well from left-back. Maya Le Tissier was a little more reserved on the other side, but it's hardly a surprise given she's played centre-back all season.

With Jordan Nobbs making a positive impact off the bench and Ebony Salmon lively in her ten minutes, Wiegman will have taken a lot of positives when it comes to some of those battling for places they missed out on last summer.


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England's depth out wide shone through

England's game plan was clear from the start, and why wouldn't it be when you have the talent out wide the Lionesses hold at the moment. After both Chloe Kelly and Lauren James shone against Korea Republic, this time it was Katie Robinson and Lauren Hemp, the latter a stalwart now in the squads, but as mentioned above, Brighton's Robinson took the opportunity granted to her.

With four tricky, pacey and skilful wingers to choose from, Wiegman can change it up as she pleases, as she did when Kelly and James came on in the second half, with the latter once again involved as she set up Daly's winner after Robinson had set up the first.

England's width proved devastating last summer, and even without Beth Mead, there is still an embarrassment of riches out wide for Wiegman.

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