The year 2024 is coming to an end and England have just completed their final international matches of the calendar year.
The Lionesses have had a busy 12 months as they qualified for the 2025 European Championships in Switzerland this summer. They also played a handful of high-profile friendlies against the likes of Germany and, more recently, the USA.
The international break began with a blockbuster clash at Wembley against the United States Women's National Team (USWNT). It was Emma Hayes' first time back in England in her new role, but neither team could find a breakthrough that evening as they played out a 0-0 draw.
Tuesday evening, the Lionesses took on Euro 2025 hosts Switzerland at Bramall Lane in Sheffield. Grace Clinton's first-half goal was the only goal of the night as Sarina Wiegman's side finished the year with a hard-fought 1-0 victory.
90 Minutes looked at the five key learnings from the final international camp of the year…
Wiegman has not yet used Manchester United midfielder Grace Clinton in all of the Lionesses' big matches, but every time the 21-year-old takes to the field in an England jersey, she puts in a Player of the Match performance. Her alertness in the box to catch a bouncing effort from United team-mate Millie Turner proved to be the difference for the hosts against Switzerland this week.
Clinton only made her England debut this year, but she is already showing signs that she can be a crucial player for the team in the not too distant future. Along with Jess Park, both men have the potential to be among the stars of the Euros next year, provided the manager gives them the opportunities.
It's fair to say that Wiegman took advantage of his latest opportunity to rotate his starting XI and experiment when England took on Switzerland this week. Against the USA, the Dutch coach naturally relied on her experienced stars, but then made 10 changes in the following match a few days later.
Naturally, there wasn't the same fluidity we expect from England. But what was impressive in the first half against Switzerland was their total control of possession.
England rarely gave the ball away, and when they did, they were quick to win it back and attack again. Debutants Ruby Mace and Laura Blindkilde Brown helped dictate play in midfield, while the slightly more experienced Park and Clinton provided a bright spark.
Up front, Aggie Beever-Jones was a joy to watch with her exceptional work rate and intelligent play. The only thing missing was that clinical benefit, but that's surely something that will come with time.
Wiegman hopes to have Lauren Hemp, Lauren James and Ella Toone available for selection again before the Euros, but the strength in depth and talent England possess is exciting.
The biggest selection debate before the Euro next summer concerns the goalkeeper. Mary Earps impressed against the USA, while Hannah Hampton had some fine moments against Switzerland this week.
Who Wiegman chooses to start in key Nations League clashes against teams like Spain early next year will serve as a strong indicator as to who Wiegman sees as his number one. But as it stands, it's anyone's guess.
One of the biggest challenges the manager will face ahead of the Euros will be finding the balance between youth and experience. In order to retain their European title, England will rely on those who have been there before and know what it takes to reach the latter stages of a major tournament.
But there was something incredibly refreshing about that first-half performance against Switzerland. Despite being a largely inexperienced starting team, England dominated possession, were composed in everything they did, did not take unnecessary risks and kept their opposite number in his own half for almost the entire first 45 minutes. There was everything, apart from this clinical advantage.
A slight refresh of the squad, with some of these young stars, could be the perfect remedy for England to make it two Euro wins in one fell swoop. Players should be selected purely based on their current form and what they can offer, as opposed to what they have contributed in the past.
On the contrary, this latest international truce was a stark wake-up call: time is running out and the euro is fast approaching. The match against Switzerland was Wiegman's first major experimental team for a while, and will likely be his only before the tournament due to the Nations League's priority in the new year.
There are still a number of issues that the manager will need to resolve over the next six or seven months, including England's shaky defence, struggles in front of goal and lack of consistency at times.
England must find some form of rhythm before the Euros kick off in July, otherwise their hopes of retaining their title in 2022 will collapse quite quickly. With a resurgent Germany, an infallible Spain and promising nations like Belgium, this tournament could be the most competitive ever.
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