Sitting for a chat in the peaceful setting of FC Basel’s sun-filled training ground, the calm demeanor of English midfielder Keira Walsh embodies the tranquility of the rolling green hills in the distance behind her, as well as the atmosphere of the entire Lionesses squad.
And that’s because one word sums up the feeling in the group well: relaxed. Not the kind of relaxation that seems like a holiday, nor complacency – on the contrary, the intense focus on training is also evident – but the kind that radiates from a group that apparently knows that, whatever challenges come their way in the Euros to come. , their head coach, has given them the confidence and tools to find solutions on the pitch.
This was evident in England’s three wins in June’s warm-up games – all of which were tied at halftime – as their strength in depth helped them to eventually go to 3-0, 5-1 and 4-0 wins to go. But perhaps the pressure on this squad to perform has never been greater as the country’s first home tournament in 17 years finally arrives, so it begs the question: how did Sarina Wiegman create this refreshed England mentality?
“It’s easy for me to sit here and say ‘it feels less tense,’ but she definitely takes the pressure off,” Walsh said.
“I don’t know how she does it, but she does it. Results help, but anyway, the atmosphere Sarina and the coaches create is less tense, it’s the way they are.”
“Everyone knows where they stand so there are no closed-door gambling games – that takes the pressure off the girls. The mentality is now all about winning the team, rather than individuals. It’s about England winning .”