Nancy Turner
Aug 07, 2023 - 02:05

England vs Nigeria: Lionesses' Luck, Lauren James Sees Red, and Sarina Wiegman Confuses

England's World Cup last-16 win against Nigeria is analyzed, focusing on Lauren James' red card and Sarina Wiegman's tactical decisions.

England's World Cup last-16 win against Nigeria was filled with talking points, including Lauren James' red card and Sarina Wiegman's confusing tactical decisions. The match saw missed penalty calls, a red card, the woodwork rattled, extra time, and penalties. Nigeria put up a strong fight, and England needed luck on their side to secure the win.

One of the standout moments was James' red card. She had a frustrating game, with limited touches and being isolated from the action. This frustration boiled over, leading to a moment of madness where she used Michelle Alozie as a springboard after an aggressive challenge. The VAR review resulted in a yellow card being upgraded to a red, leaving England with 10 players.

England's tactical setup also came under scrutiny. They expected to dominate Nigeria with their 3-5-2 system, but the Super Falcons had prepared for this and targeted England's wing-backs. This forced England away from their designated spots and allowed Nigeria to exploit the space. Wiegman was slow to make changes, sticking to her belief that something would give in a more central space. It wasn't until James' sending-off that England reverted to a back four and made attacking changes.

Nigeria's performance was impressive, taking more shots against England than any other team faced by the Lionesses in the tournament. Even with Asisat Oshoala starting on the bench, Nigeria's attacking trio of Uchenna Kanu, Ifeoma Onumonu, and Rasheedat Ajibade caused problems for England's defense. The Lionesses struggled to adapt to the Nigerian onslaught and looked stiff and stale.

This match exposed England's weaknesses, and they cannot afford a repeat against Colombia or Jamaica. A more efficient team could take advantage of these weaknesses and eliminate England from the tournament. It's crucial for Wiegman to make the necessary adjustments and ensure her team is prepared for the challenges ahead.