Different challenge: Sarina Wiegman insists England are not taking Norway lightly
(Picture: The FA via Getty Images)Sarina Wiegman is expecting a "totally different game" when England face Norway for the first time since they thrashed them 8-0 at Euro 2022.
The Lionesses’ win over Norway in July was a record margin of victory for a match at a Women’s Euros, with six of the goals coming in the first half.
The sides meet again tonight for a friendly in Spain, and Wiegman (right) is expecting to come up against a very different Norway side.
After the Euros, head coach Martin Sjogren was replaced by former England interim boss Hege Riise, and Wiegman believes she has turned Norway into a more defensive side.
"We expected a different Norway when we played them [in the Euros]," said Wiegman. "We played really well and they didn’t have a good day, so then it can go to 8-0. I think now they have changed. They have changed coaches, they have changed their style of play. They are a little more defensive, or put a little more emphasis on their defence.
"We expect a very different game. They have some other players, they have another coach, they have a little different style of play, another shape."
England beat Japan last Friday to stretch their unbeaten run under Wiegman to 25 matches.
Arsenal forward Beth Mead grabbed two assists in that match, but she has withdrawn from the squad for family reasons. Lucy Bronze is also out due to a minor injury, and Wiegman has urged others to seize the chance to impress her.
"It’s good for them and good for us to see where they’re at," she said.
