open menulivescore

In Focus: Five key talking points from Switzerland 0-4 England
Copy icon

Sean Wilson
LiveScore
Millie Bright and Alessia Russo played key roles in England's 4-0 win over Switzerland
Millie Bright and Alessia Russo played key roles in England's 4-0 win over Switzerland

England completed a hat-trick of warm-up wins with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Switzerland to head into Women's Euro 2022 in red-hot form. 

The Lionesses struck all of their goals in the second half to remain unbeaten under Sarina Wiegman, who took charge in September 2021. 

Alessia Russo and Georgia Stanway put the visitors in control before substitutes Bethany England and Jill Scott added gloss to the scoreline. 

We take a look at five key talking points from England’s final friendly before their opening game of the tournament against Austria.

Three out of three

In-form England have recorded a treble of friendly wins going into Euro 2022. 

They have done so by a convincing 12-1 aggregate, highlighting why they are among the favourites to lift the trophy. 

And the goals have been shared around in the outings against Belgium, Netherlands and tonight's opponents Switzerland, with only Beth Mead scoring more than once.

Team game

Alessia Russo scored the opening goal as England beat Switzerland 4-0
Alessia Russo scored the opening goal as England beat Switzerland 4-0

Striker Russo got herself on the scoresheet but chose to focus on the team performance in what was a less convincing display than the result suggested. 

She said: "There were times in the first half where we could have scored chances but we were patient. 

“We spoke after half-time about keeping the tempo high and the ball moving, I think we did exactly that. 

"The subs came on and made a big difference, which is great.

"Obviously as a striker you always want to score but the team put on a great performance. Sometimes it's not always going to be pretty but you have to fight it out to get the win. 

"It's really special, we can get locked in on the tournament now. We're all really excited."

Sharper shooting

Despite scoring four, the Lionesses will feel they were wasteful in front of goal, particularly in the first half — as Russo suggested. 

England had 21 shots and hit the target with 12, including three excellent opportunities in the first 10 minutes, but they went in at the break without anything to show for their efforts. 

Against a higher calibre of opposition in a cagey tournament match, they may not be afforded as many chances.

Defensive reshuffle

There was a surprising reshuffle at the back by Wiegman, who deployed skipper Leah Williamson at centre-back, pushing regular starter Alex Greenwood out to left-back. 

Greenwood did not appear to relish the change and, given her effective partnership with Millie Bright, it seems unlikely the switch will be made permanent. 

The absence of Lucy Bronze, who was unavailable through illness, may have been the reason for Wiegman's experiment and the experienced full-back was missed.

Captain's role?

England captain Leah Williamson's best position is still up for debate
England captain Leah Williamson's best position is still up for debate

Wiegman has an unusual issue to ponder ahead of the tournament — where to deploy her skipper.

Before the game she suggested Williamson "felt more comfortable" at the back than in midfield but the Lionesses boss has largely used the Arsenal star in the middle of the park.

It remains to be seen whether she chooses to break up her tried-and-tested defensive partnership of Greenwood and Bright or uses Williamson as a central midfielder on Wednesday. 

Etiquetas

SwitzerlandEnglandWomen’s Euro 2022
LiveScore logo

LiveScore: actualizaciones deportivas en vivo

Resultados de fútbol y noticias deportivas

App storeGoogle play