the England Women’s National Football Team after a disappointing Nations League campaign left manager Sarina Wiegman facing some major decisions ahead of 2026. England’s failure to meet expectations has sparked debate among supporters and pundits, particularly regarding the roles of star forwards Alessia Russo and Rachel Daly.
The Lionesses entered the competition hoping to build momentum and reassert themselves among Europe’s elite, but inconsistent performances and missed opportunities ultimately turned the campaign into a frustrating experience. England struggled to find their usual attacking fluency, while defensive lapses and tactical uncertainty proved costly at key moments.
One of the biggest talking points has been how Wiegman should use Russo and Daly moving forward. Russo remains one of England’s most technically gifted forwards and continues to impress for Arsenal W.F.C. with her movement, pressing, and finishing ability. However, some critics believe she has not fully replicated her club form consistently at international level in recent months.
Meanwhile, Daly’s situation has become increasingly complicated. The versatile attacker has often been deployed in multiple positions for club and country, but there are growing calls for her to be given a permanent role closer to goal. Many fans believe Daly’s natural finishing instincts are being wasted when she is asked to operate deeper or in wide areas.
Despite the disappointment, there were still positives for England. Several younger players showed promise, while the squad’s fighting spirit remained evident even during difficult matches. Wiegman’s track record also means there is still confidence she can rebuild and refresh the team before the next major tournament.
However, the Nations League campaign exposed clear issues that cannot be ignored. England’s attack at times looked predictable, creativity in midfield was inconsistent, and the team occasionally lacked the ruthless edge that defined their European Championship triumph.
As preparations for 2026 continue, Wiegman now faces some crucial choices. Finding the right balance between Russo, Daly, and England’s other attacking stars could determine whether the Lionesses return to their best or continue to fall short on the biggest stage.
