Millie Bright and the Lionesses’ Resilient Victory
After 90 minutes of relentless effort, Millie Bright emerged as a key figure in the Lionesses’ hard-fought 1-0 victory over Spain, aptly describing the performance as “proper English”. With an impressive tally of four interceptions, two blocked shots, 11 clearances, and 10 long balls, Bright’s contributions were instrumental. This match epitomized the traditional English approach to football, characterized by a sturdy defense and long-range passing. The team even adopted a 4-4-2 formation, showcasing their tactical adaptability.
Nevertheless, this match was not just about embodying the English spirit; it was also a demonstration of the cohesive unit that Chelsea FC has fostered. Bright was one of six Chelsea players in Sarina Wiegman’s starting lineup, which included three of the four defenders and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton. Although Lauren James did not score, she was undeniably the most significant attacking threat on the field.
A Symbol of Unity
Throughout the match at Wembley, there was a palpable sense of unity among the players. The team moved as one, particularly in their defensive duties. Even in the dying moments of injury time, James made a crucial tackle in the England penalty area, showcasing her commitment to the team’s cause, a responsibility she has occasionally been criticized for not fully embracing.
When a sizable portion of your starting XI comes from a single club, it’s likely that the unbeaten six-time Women’s Super League champions are the right choice for building a cohesive squad. This strategy has a proven track record in international football. For instance, five Manchester City players were in England’s lineup during the Euro 2022 final. Similarly, six players from Barcelona Femeni’s Champions League-winning squad represented Spain in the World Cup final, with Alexia Putellas making it seven after coming off the bench.
In men’s football, the correlation is just as striking; six of the German squad that lifted the World Cup in 2014 were from Bayern Munich, and seven players from Spain’s 2010 final squad had played together at Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona. This approach of fostering connections and understanding through club allegiances has proven to be effective. Wiegman seems to be in search of a reliable formula as she prepares for major tournaments, often sticking with a favored group before the first match.
Building Connections
“I’m not intentionally building that Chelsea connection; I just hope they perform exceptionally well at their clubs,” Wiegman stated. “When players are at a club, they naturally develop connections, and with my staff, I aim to select the best players in the country and bring them together as quickly as possible.”
As the summer approaches, club allegiances could help resolve some of Wiegman’s most pressing lineup questions. At Wembley, Hampton took her place in goal over the established Mary Earps, delivering an audition that was both convincing and emphatic. Her crucial saves, particularly two against Aitana Bonmati and Lucia Garcia, showcased shot-stopping skills that rival Earps’s best performances. Additionally, her distribution and comfort with the ball represent a valuable enhancement to the team’s dynamics. Both she and Bright have been mainstays in the WSL this season, further solidifying their on-field chemistry.
Future Considerations
As for the defense, questions remain regarding Alex Greenwood’s potential return from knee surgery in December and whether she will be fit in time for the match against Switzerland. With Wiegman’s steadfast captain Leah Williamson likely to secure one of the center-back positions, Bright’s physical presence and determination were instrumental in this victory. Should Greenwood return to the lineup, she might shift to left-back, yet Niamh Charles’ existing rapport with her Chelsea teammates and her attacking capabilities could solidify her position as well.
The most crucial partnership on the field, however, is the one formed between Bright and James on the left flank. The 23-year-old dazzled at Wembley, skillfully controlling the ball with a finesse that few of her teammates could replicate. Within the first 90 seconds of the match, she forced two sharp saves from Spanish goalkeeper Cata Coll, showcasing her offensive prowess. Moreover, her crossfield pass to Lucy Bronze in the previous match against Portugal had set up England’s opening goal. James and Bronze share a close friendship, which further enhances their collaboration on the pitch.
At the heart of the midfield, Keira Walsh has also started to forge connections. Although only a month into her Chelsea career, she will have gained a significant understanding of her teammates by the summer. Through a mix of fortuitous circumstances, strategic experimentation, and Chelsea’s realization that building a squad around top English talent is a winning strategy, Wiegman has a solid foundation from which to launch her Euro 2025 campaign. With four matches remaining before heading to Switzerland, including a rematch against Spain in June, this victory serves as a vital step in overcoming past demons and reigniting belief within the team. If Williamson lifts the Euro 2025 trophy on July 27, it will be a triumph that was meticulously prepared within the Chelsea framework.
