Sarina Wiegman bemoaned the “sloppy” moments from her England side as the Lionesses laboured to a 2-1 win over South Africa.
The Lionesses won in Coventry thanks to first-half goals from Leah Williamson and Grace Clinton but allowed South Africa back into the game in the second half before holding on for victory.
Despite the result, there were more lapses in concentration at the back for England, who were also defensively suspect on Friday night when they were beaten 4-3 by Germany at Wembley.
The Lionesses have just over eight months to go before defending their European crown at Euro 2025 in Switzerland.
“I thought the first half was more straightforward,” Wiegman said. “In the first half we played well; in the second half we had some struggle moments. I think we were a little too sloppy.
“The first half we had sloppy moments too, but we created some chances from corners but also in open play. We scored a very good goal. The second half, we got there but then we were a little bit sloppy.”
Asked how she plans to fix those defensive issues, Wiegman replied: “Keep trying, keep playing football, keep playing forwards. We all know that. Some passes are, I think, easy. They [South Africa] are smart in the counter-attack and very fast, so that was hard for us.”
Williamson’s goal came on the occasion of her 50th cap and it was her first since she suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in April last year.
“That was nice, really nice”, her manager said. “We had been talking about it, practising corners. And when it is her 50th [cap], that makes it extra special.”
Manchester United midfielder Clinton scored her second goal for her country and admitted: “It was a tough game. South Africa are a great team, they came last 16 in the World Cup, so we expected them to be a tough team, and they have good individual qualities.
“So to get the win and get a goal was really nice. They’re a tough opposition, and their pace is crazy.
“It is a good night for me. It’s nice for my confidence and it’s just nice to be out there. Everyone wants to play for their country. But my personal goal is just to keep my confidence and keep getting goals.”
Asked whether making the Euro 2025 squad was now her target, 21-year-old Clinton replied: “Yeah, definitely.”
