England boss Wiegman insists Lionesses are not losing momentum after Australia end their unbeaten run
SARINA WIEGMAN insists she is not worried by England’s first loss during her reign, describing Australia’s 2-0 win as a “big learning” .
Sam Kerr’s cstrike and Charlotte Grant’s deflected finish saw the Matildas end the Lionesses 30-game unbeaten streak.
The England boss said: “It’s a big learning game against a very physical, well-organised, good defending Australia.
“We had a lot of possessions and we did create some but we struggled to speed up the game, to go forward and stretch them
“We really wanted to get more behind the defence, and have runs behind and switch plays so they could run a little more.
“We made some mistakes where they became dangerous, the counter-attack was very dangerous and of course their first goal was a mistake of ours, which can happen.
“I’m not worried. We know we have to be at our top level and every game we get some warnings.
“Against Brazil we had some warnings, against the Czech Rep we had to create a little more.
“I don’t think we’re losing momentum. It’s just a really big learning for us.”
The Alzheimer’s Society International duel saw one in three names missing on Lionesses shirts to highlight the one in three people born in the UK who will develop dementia.
England were missing the services of Alex Greenwood with the defender returning to Man City after the team’s Women’s Finalissima triumph against Brazil.
And Lauren Hemp, who was among the Lionesses’ better performers, came off in the 28th minute on Tuesday night with Lauren James coming on in her place.
Despite having the bulk of shots on target the Lionesses went 1-0 down in the 32nd minute with Australia punishing an uncharacteristic error in defence.
Kerr bagged the opener, pouncing on Leah Williamson’s misdirected header before lofting the ball over Mary Earps for her 63rd Australia goal.
England came close to levelling in the second spell with James forcing a parried save from Mackenzie Arnold.
But Grant made it 2-0 latching on to a pinpoint cross from Kerr with her headed goal taking a deflection of Williamson in the 67th minute.
Rachel Daly almost pulled a goal back for the Euros champs moments later
But her powerful header went wide with Australia holding out to seal the win.
Matildas skipper Kerr said: “They are a great team and it’s always nice to put in a good team performance and beat a top team.
“But we’ve got to take every win with a grain of salt before the World Cup.
“It’s about building on our performances and where we can get better.”