Lucy Bronze acknowledges England's ongoing development despite a 2-1 win over South Africa. Emphasizing the need for evolution before Euro 2025, she highlights the squad's competitive nature and focus on refining team dynamics and strategies.
Lucy Bronze recognized that England is not yet the 'finished product' following their close 2-1 win over South Africa in Coventry on Tuesday. After a loss to Germany last Friday, England got back to winning ways against the 50th-ranked South African team, thanks to first-half goals from Leah Williamson and Grace Clinton. However, the match was more difficult than expected, as Thembi Kgatlana scored a goal and had another disallowed for offside.
Reflecting on the match, Bronze underscored the need to address any issues now rather than waiting until closer to Euro 2025, which is scheduled to begin in Switzerland next July. 'We have to evolve; we are not the same team that won the Euros. We can't be because we won't win the Euros being the same; everyone is evolving,' she said. 'Germany's performance the other night was one of the best German displays I've seen in a long time, and South Africa was a lot tougher than people anticipated.'
Bronze emphasized the competitiveness within the team, noting that players are contending for their spots as coach Sarina Wiegman tries out new strategies. 'In the next camp, we have two friendlies, and we need to be fully prepared for the summer. It's better to address problems now than encounter them in the summer,' she said. 'We are in a unique position, unlike any other England team; we are the current champions, and everyone is eager to defeat us. There is significant attention on us. It's a mental roller-coaster for everyone who wears an England jersey.'
Maya Le Tissier, the captain of Manchester United, who joined the team for the friendly, made an immediate impact by assisting in Clinton's goal. She admitted that the Lionesses 'made hard work of it' but expressed confidence in their preparations for the next summer. 'They are a fast team on transition, but we will build on this for July and have a lot to work on,' said Le Tissier. 'We have different players lining up together. We were given our chance here, and I believe it's about building those connections. These games are never easy; it was a tough opponent, and full credit to them as well.'
Le Tissier reassured fans, saying, 'We're in a good place, so don't worry. We're having a great time; it's nice to be back with the group. We've been away since the summer, but everything is under control.' As England keeps progressing, the emphasis remains on strengthening team dynamics and performance before the upcoming Euros.
