“With this England team,” Wiegman said, “everyone expects us to win.”But the England that enters this World Cup is, arguably, a weakened champion.
Midfielder Fran Kirby will miss the World Cup, too, after having surgery on her knee.
Leah Williamson, who captained England as it conquered, has, like Mead, torn a knee ligament.
A goalless draw in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Canada, England’s last game before the World Cup, was the team’s third straight scoreless performance.
That fluidity, Wiegman said, has its own motivating value, offering “opportunities for other players to play, to take responsibility, and to show who they are.”
Persons:
” Wiegman, Beth Mead, Fran Kirby, Leah Williamson, Mead, Millie Bright, England’s, Wiegman, ”
Organizations:
England, ”, Portugal, Canada
Locations:
England, Australia