2024 is coming to an end and England have just completed their final international matches of the calendar year.
It has been a busy 12 months for the Lionesses as they qualified for the 2025 European Championships in Switzerland in the summer. They have also played a handful of high profile friendlies against players like Germany and, more recently, the USA.
The international break started with a big clash at Wembley against the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT). It was Emma Hayes’ first time back for England in her new role, but neither team could find a breakthrough on the night as they played out a 0-0 draw.
On Tuesday night, the lionesses took on Euro 2025 hosts Switzerland at Sheffield’s Bramall Lane. Grace Clinton’s first-half goal was the only goal of the night as Sarina Wiegman’s side ended the year with a hard-fought 1-0 win.
90min have analyzed the five key learnings from the final international camp of the year…
Wiegman has yet to be used Manchester United midfielder Grace Clinton in any of the Lionesses’ big games, but every time the 21-year-old has stepped onto the pitch in an England shirt, she has produced a Player of the Match performance. Her alertness in the box to tap home a rebounding effort from United team-mate Millie Turner proved to be the difference for the hosts against Switzerland this week.
Clinton only made her England debut this year, but is already showing signs that she can be a crucial player for the team in the not-too-distant future. Along with Jess Park, the pair have the potential to be among the breakout stars of next year’s Euros, provided the manager gives them the opportunities.
It’s fair to say Wiegman took his last chance to rotate his starting line-up and experiment when England took on Switzerland this week. Against the USA, the Dutch coach understandably leaned on her experienced stars, but then made 10 changes in her next game a few days later.
Understandably, there was not the same fluidity that we expect from England. But what impressed in the first half against Switzerland was their total control of possession.
England rarely gave the ball away, and when they did, they recovered quickly and attacked once more. Debutants Ruby Mace and Laura Blindkilde Brown helped dictate play in the middle of the pitch, while the slightly more experienced Park and Clinton provided a bright spark.
Up front, some of Aggie Beever-Jones was a delight to watch with her exceptional work rate and intelligent play. The only thing missing was that clinical edge, but surely that will be something that will come with time.
Wiegman hopes to have the likes of Lauren Hemp, Lauren James and Ella Toone back available for selection before the Euros, but the strength in depth and talent England possess is exciting.
The biggest selection debate ahead of the Euros next summer is the goalkeeper. Mary Earps impressed against the USA, while Hannah Hampton produced some good moments against Switzerland this week.
Who Wiegman chooses to start in key Nations League matches against the likes of Spain early next year will act as a strong indicator of who Wiegman considers his number one. But as things stand, it’s anyone’s guess.
One of the big challenges that the coach will face before the Euros is to find the balance between youth and experience. To retain their European title, England will rely on those who have been there before and know what it takes to reach the latter stages of a major tournament.
But, there was something incredibly refreshing about that first-half performance against Switzerland. Despite a largely inexperienced starting line-up, England dominated possession, were composed in everything they did, didn’t take unnecessary risks and kept their opposition stuck in their own half for much of the first 45 minutes . It had everything but that clinical advantage.
A slight revamp in the squad, with some of these younger stars, could be the perfect remedy for England to make it two Euro wins on the bounce. Players should be chosen solely based on current form and what they can offer rather than what they have contributed in the past.
If anything, this latest international break was a wake-up call that time is running out and the Euros are just around the corner. The Switzerland game was Wiegman’s first mainly experimental team for a while, and will likely be the only one before the tournament as the Nations League takes precedence in the new year.
There are still a number of issues the manager needs to address over the next six to seven months, including England’s shaky defence, struggles in front of goal and a lack of consistency at times.
England need to find some sort of rhythm before the Euros begin in July or their hopes of retaining the 2022 title will crumble rather quickly. With a resurgent Germany, an infallible Spain and up-and-coming nations like Belgium, this could be the most competitive tournament yet.
