Five things we learned from England’s final fixtures of 2024 | OneFootball

2024 is drawing to a close and England have just completed their final international fixtures of the calendar year.

It’s been a busy 12 months for the Lionesses as they secured qualification for the 2025 European Championships in Switzerland back in the summer. They have also played a handful of high profile friendlies against the likes of Germany and, more recently, the USA.

The international break kicked off with a blockbuster clash at Wembley against the U.S. women's national team (USWNT). It was the first time Emma Hayes had returned to England in her new role, but neither side could find a breakthrough on the night as they played out a 0-0 draw.

On Tuesday night, the Lionesses faced Euro 2025 hosts Switzerland at Bramall Lane in Sheffield. Grace Clinton’s first half strike was the only goal on the night as Sarina Wiegman’s side ended the year with a hard-fought 1-0 victory.

90min have looked at the five key learnings from the final international camp of the year…

Grace Clinton strengthens case

Grace Clinton put in a Player of the Match performance against Switzerland / Visionhaus/GettyImages

Wiegman is yet to utilise 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’s put in a Player of the Match performance. Her alertness in the box to tap home a rebounded effort from United teammate Millie Turner proved to be the difference for the hosts against Switzerland this week.

Clinton only made her senior England debut this year, but she is already showing signs 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 the Euros next year, provided they are afforded the opportunities by the manager.

Youngsters step up

Ruby Mace made her senior England debut on Tuesday night / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/GettyImages

It’s fair to say Wiegman took her final opportunity to rotate her starting lineup and experiment when England faced Switzerland this week. Against the USA, the Dutch coach understandably leaned on her experienced stars, but she then made 10 changes in their next game a few days later.

Understandably, there wasn’t the same fluidity we’ve come to expect from England. But, what was impressive in the first half against Switzerland, was their complete control in possession.

England rarely gave the ball away, and when they did, they were quick to win it back and attack once again. The likes of 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 clever play. The only thing lacking was that clinical edge, but that is surely something that will come with time.

Wiegman will hope to have the likes of Lauren Hemp, Lauren James and Ella Toone available for selection again ahead of the Euros, but the strength in depth and talent England possess is exciting.

Goalkeeper debate rumbles on

Hannah Hampton was given the nod against Switzerland / Richard Sellers/Allstar/GettyImages

The biggest selection debate ahead of the Euros next summer is the goalkeeper. Mary Earps impressed against the USA, while Hannah Hampton produced some fine moments against Switzerland this week.

Who Wiegman opts to start in key Nations League clashes against the likes of Spain early next year will act as a strong indicator as to who Wiegman views as her number one. But, as things stand, it’s anyone’s guess.

Balance will be key

Millie Bright captained England for their 1-0 win over Switzerland / Richard Sellers/Allstar/GettyImages

One of the greatest challenges the manager will face ahead of the Euros is finding the balance between youth and experience. In order 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 it being a largely inexperienced starting lineup, England dominated possession, were composed in everything they did, didn’t take any unnecessary risks and kept their opposite number penned into their own half for pretty much the entire first 45 minutes. It had everything – apart from that clinical edge.

A slight refresh in the squad, with some of those younger stars, could be the perfect remedy for England to make it two Euro wins on the bounce. Players should be picked solely on current form and what they can offer as opposed to what they’ve contributed in the past.

England players applaud fans following Tuesday's win over Switzerland / Carl Recine/GettyImages

If anything, this final international break was a stark wakeup call that time is running out and the Euros are right around the corner. The Switzerland game was Wiegman’s first majorly experimental team for a while, and will probably be the only one before the tournament due to the Nations League taking priority in the new year.

There are still a number of issues the manager has to address over the next six or seven months, including England’s shaky defence, struggles in front of goal and a lack of consistency at times.

England need to find some form of a rhythm before the Euros kicks off in July or their hopes of retaining their 2022 title will crumble quite quickly. With a resurgent Germany, infallible Spain and promising nations like Belgium – this could be the most competitive tournament yet.