England 2-1 South Africa: Leah Williamson and Grace Clinton score as Lionesses hold on

Wiegman has confronted questions over her workforce choice in latest weeks with Williamson on the centre, given the spectacular type of Manchester Metropolis’s Alex Greenwood – an apparent substitute.

Greenwood was introduced into the facet to play alongside Williamson however it did little to enhance England’s defensive efficiency as particular person errors have been constant and nearly expensive.

Stanway’s sluggish response to Williamson’s cross didn’t assist, and the Bayern Munich midfielder had earlier been concerned in a mix-up with Esme Morgan that gifted Hildah Magaia a possibility she couldn’t take within the first half.

Wiegman made quite a few adjustments all through the second half, bringing on skilled defenders Lucy Bronze and Millie Vibrant however South Africa continued to trigger concern.

Bronze was caught out with a ball excessive however was lucky Kgatlana was offside, simply earlier than Bronze needed to intervene to dam one other goalbound strike by the South Africa ahead.

England’s defensive efficiency towards Germany was closely criticised, and this show in Coventry did little to persuade that they had discovered from their errors.

However it was additionally an evening which confirmed promise for the longer term as loads of England’s children grabbed their alternative to impress, and proceed to place strain on Wiegman’s common starters.

Clinton, who linked up with Manchester United captain Le Tissier to double England’s lead within the first half, impressed but once more, whereas Park and Naz seemed comfy on the worldwide stage.

Whereas England nonetheless have loads of work to do on the street to the defence of their European title, this confirmed there may be an array of expertise at Wiegman’s disposal – the puzzle stays placing all of it collectively.

Larger exams are nonetheless to come back in November with a Wembley showdown towards Olympic champions america – managed by former Chelsea boss Emma Hayes – earlier than one other pleasant with Switzerland to finish the yr.