Sarina Wiegman has warned the Lionesses that they’ll need to fight their way to Euro glory.
The Dutch head coach has told her squad to be ready for battle against a ‘physical’ Germany side at Wembley. England’s rivals have clocked up more fouls and yellow cards than any other team so far.
Wiegman admitted: “It may be a little physical. Germany can be direct, physical. They are straightforward. That’s what we expect. We have seen a few things we might exploit – but you’ll see that [Sunday].”
Captain Leah Williamson echoed her boss’ thoughts, and said that her charges will be combat-ready. “It’s in the nature of any German team. It’s consistent with the players they have. As Sarina says, they are physical – it’s a strength of theirs.
“However, our game is so strong as well and the way we play counters that. Potentially, there are two different approaches. We have fight in us. It comes out differently through our style of play. It’s something to be aware of – but it’s not something we can’t match.”
There is a sell-out crowd approaching 90,000 expected at the home of football for a game that has captured the public’s imagination. Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate has played his part, sending messages of encouragement to managerial colleague Wiegman.
The Duke of Cambridge, as president of the FA, will be attending and many predict an England victory would be a tipping-point for the women’s game in this country. However, Williamson took that one stage further and said she hoped it would have a wider impact.
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“This hasn’t just been a change for women’s football, but how society in general views women and how we are looked upon,” said Williamson. “I think this isn’t the end of the journey, but the start of one – regardless of the end result, there will be a moment for reflection afterwards.
“And when we do reflect upon it, I want this to be a marker for the future. I’ve only ever been involved in the football workplace. But I think in most workplaces across the world, women still have a few more battles to face.”
Germany coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg ramped up the rivalry, saying the pressure was on England. She said: “The pressure is all on England. Everyone knows the history between Germany and England and Wembley – the goals and penalties.
“But that’s all in the past, so the pressure is actually on England. I believe the pressure is more on them than us.” But Wiegman hit back, saying: “I think there’s pressure on both teams.
“I think we both want to win the final and we both have very good squads and it’s going to be a very tight game. It’s going to be very exciting. We don’t feel under any more or less pressure. It’s two teams trying to win.
“If you reach a final, you’re one of the best teams in the tournament. We’re one of the best teams – and we don’t fear anyone.”
