Belgium

Sarina Wiegman is turning England into ruthless title contenders | Louise Taylor

16-Jun-2022 22:49:04 | The Guardian

England manager showed a tough streak that is rubbing off on her side after dropping Steph Houghton from the Euros squad

Sarina Wiegman seems fond of repeating two words in particular: ruthless and execution.

England’s manager invariably studs sentences with those favourites as she urges her players to display increased attacking incision but neither characteristic is exactly alien to a woman rarely prone to dithering indecision, let alone sentimentality. Wiegman’s ice-cool clarity of thought under pressure persuaded her to ignore some emotionally compelling reasons for including England’s former captain Steph Houghton in her 23 strong Euro 2022 squad.