‘We had to make some hard decisions’ – Wiegman on England’s World Cup selection | OneFootball

Yesterday, England head coach Sarina Wiegman announced her 23-player squad for this summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.

With injuries to key players and others shining for new clubs this season, she had the weight of the fans’ expectations on her shoulders during her selection process.

When speaking in an England press conference after her 23-player selection was announced, Wiegman said that she had to make some difficult decisions.

“The last week has been a little stressful,” the Lionesses head coach said. “We had to make some hard decisions. The conversations with those selected went really well, but it’s also been really hard.”

Two players in the back-line that have suffered recent injuries were named in the squad in the form of Lucy Bronze and Millie Bright. Despite Bright still going through her rehabilitation, Wiegman is pleased with her progress and she has made the defender captain in Leah Williamson’s absence.

“Lucy’s fit, in full training and getting ready for the Champions League final on Saturday and Millie is in a good place,” Wiegman said. “We’re positive and she’s still building, but we have some time, so it’s looking good.

“You want those two players in because they play such an important role in the team, but you never know what happens in football, so we have to look at the squad we have and positions players can play.

“Leah (Willliamson) was our captain and Millie (Bright) our vice, so that’s how we approach it now.”

One centre-back who has shone for her new club this season and who many thought would be named in Wiegman’s squad is Manchester United’s Maya Le Tissier. The 21-year-old started every game for The Red Devils this season and stood out as one of the Barclays Women’s Super League’s most consistent performers. However, her name didn’t appear on Wiegman’s list and she finds herself a reserve who will fly down under in case of injuries.

“She was really close,” Wiegman said when discussing the youngster’s exclusion. “That was a very hard call, like with all of the defenders we had to think about. We also see her as more of a right-back.

“For Manchester United, she plays at centre-back and she has had a very good season, but it’s the choice we made.”

Emily Ramsay and young winger Jess Park were the others named on Wiegman’s reserve list for this summer’s trip to Australia. Park will also fly out to the tournament with the team to cover for any unforeseen injuries.