Wiegman: ‘It was not good enough’

England women’s head coach Sarina Wiegman insisted her team’s performance against Belgium in the UEFA Women’s Nations League was not up to standard after the Lionesses slipped to a 3-2 defeat tonight.

The Lionesses made the scoresheet through a Beth Mead penalty and Michelle Agyemang’s debut goal but it wasn’t enough to earn them a draw after Belgium’s flying start set Wiegman’s side back.

“I think we started really sloppy, not sharp and they exploited us, so then you are down very quickly and the second time they come to our goal they score again, so we conceded three goals in half hour which is not what you want, it is not good enough,” reflected Wiegman.

“Later we played better, I think we played a better second half. But overall, it was not good enough.”

The Lionesses came up against the same opponent twice in quick succession during the April international window, beating the Red Flames 5-0 in Bristol on Friday night in an impressive display.

However, Wiegman explained that her side weren’t expecting a repeat performance of the five-star showing England put on at Ashton Gate, with a number of opposition players returning to action this evening for Belgium.

“We expected this, we were prepared for this, and we said it was going to be a totally different game,” said Wiegman. “Friday was 5-0, we knew exactly what happens here, we have been here before.

“They were missing a couple of players, Tessa Wullaert, so we knew this was going to be the case.

“I think with the inconsistency, it had to do with being ready and being really focused which is what we didn't do the first 30 minutes, and I think that is the biggest thing we can learn from this altogether.”