England Left with Lessons to Learn from Euro 2025 Homecoming

Sarina Wiegman expressed satisfaction with the challenge posed by Brazil but admitted disappointment following England’s defeat at the Etihad Stadium.

While supporters may have anticipated a jubilant homecoming for the two-time European champions, Wiegman’s focus was firmly on drawing lessons from the encounter as the Lionesses prepare for future challenges.

Had England simply desired an easy return to home soil, they might have opted for less formidable opposition. However, the Copa América champions provided a far sterner test — one that Wiegman considered ideal preparation for what lies ahead.

For the Dutch manager, it was valuable exposure to South American physicality and direct play as she turned her attention towards the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.

“Of course, you hope for a better result, but this was a very good game to start with after the Euros,” said Wiegman.

“[Brazil are] a very strong opponent, and a South American one, which is exactly what we want because they bring a different style — more emotional and expressive.

“It’s good to experience that, as they play very directly. We faced many challenges in this match that we really needed to encounter.

“Now we know where we can improve. Some things we did really well, and others not so well — and that’s important, because if you play an opponent who doesn’t push you, you don’t learn much.”

Although the match may not have met the expectations of the 37,460 fans in attendance, England were certainly made to work hard.

Brazil’s trademark directness was evident early on, as Bia Zaneratto and Dudinha exchanged goals and assists within the opening 20 minutes.

Bia opened the scoring in the ninth minute after Dudinha held up the ball smartly, drawing Esme Morgan out of position before threading a pass through for Bia to slot into the bottom-right corner.

Nine minutes later, the pair combined again — this time in reverse. Ella Toone’s misplaced pass in midfield allowed Bia to surge forward before releasing Dudinha, who curled a stunning effort inside the near post with the outside of her boot.

They were precisely the kinds of errors Wiegman had warned against, and ultimately, they cost England a win on their homecoming.

“We knew exactly what we wanted to do — to bypass their first press, because if they win it there, they’re very dangerous on the counter,” Wiegman explained.

“That’s what happened twice. The first time Khiara [Keating] played out from the back, we lost possession and they scored.

“The second time, we played a square pass — and against a side like Brazil, you can’t afford that. They intercepted and punished us. That wasn’t part of our game plan.”

Despite a difficult opening spell in which Brazil sliced through England’s defence almost at will, momentum shifted after Angelina’s red card in the 21st minute.

Georgia Stanway converted a penalty shortly after half-time to reduce the deficit, and Euros hero Michelle Agyemang was introduced with ten minutes remaining as Wiegman sought another late comeback.

However, this time, the Lionesses could not replicate their trademark fightback.

Playing against ten players still offered valuable lessons as Wiegman continued to experiment at the start of a new competitive cycle.

“We had so many opportunities, but our decision-making and execution must improve,” she said.

“In certain moments, our poor choices allowed them to counter and score twice — that’s what I keep talking about.

“Even against ten players, you don’t get endless chances. They sat deeper and showed their physical strength — they’re tall, powerful players.

“We tried to keep playing our football, but we just need to be sharper and more precise to get over the line.”