Ahead of their friendly against Norway on Tuesday evening, the Dutch boss refused to concede that England will have an easy a time as they did in their last encounter, when an 8-0 Group A victory formed an early indication of the hosts’ dominance at Euro 2022 this summer.
Since Hege Riise took charge of Norway, they’ve won three out of five, and the former England interim manager may have a few tricks up her sleeve when it comes to preparing her squad to face up against players she knows well. But Norway could come up against a raft of less familiar faces. With a number of new guard needing induction and a squad beset with injuries after a busy summer of football, Wiegman looks set to rotate for this friendly.
“We’ll make some changes,” she said. “This is also an opportunity to see some different connections between different players on the pitch. So we're trying to find a balance in that and do well again."
Against Japan, England gave a rampant performance, despite several key players having withdrawn from international duties. Young players matched club form with confident performances, which is a testament to the environment Wiegman has built, where everyone feels comfortable to express themselves on the pitch.
On Tuesday evening, we should see more young players getting their chance to shine - unbeaten runs to one side, the future is bright for the Lionesses. This is how we think the side will line up against Norway:
5. LB - Rachel Daly
A standout performer against Japan. She loves scoring goals and won't let playing in defence stop her. Wiegman said she and her talk about a possible role upfront 'all the time', but if Daly continues to bag from left-back, it's hard to see who would be better there while there's considerable strength in the Lionesses' attacking ranks. | Getty Images
6. CDM - Katie Zelem
Keira Walsh is so crucial to the Lionesses’ success but Wiegman must avoid putting all of her eggs in one basket by strengthening a dependable back-up. Zelem is a fantastic leader in great form for her Manchester United, so is more than ready to have a go at running things from the England midfield. | Getty Images
7. CM - Georgia Stanway
Loving life at new club Bayern Munich. England will need the 23-year-old's creativity at the World Cup and, without the options to explore the withdrawn Fran Kirby and Jordan Nobbs, Stanway is a shoo-in for Wiegman's starting XI. | Getty Images
8. CM - Ella Toone
Slow to start for club Manchester United this season but she showed her strengths against Japan. Toone looked dangerous throughout and scored the Lionesses’ third with a classy finish. | Getty Images