Wiegman keen to see players’ versatility as England target defeat of Italy

SARINA WIEGMAN reckons having versatile talent in her England squad could be a boost as they target World Cup success. 

The Lionesses play Italy in the Arnold Clark Cup today with the team aiming to win the contest as part of their preparations 

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England’s duel with Italy at the CBS Arena comes three days on from their 4-0 rout of South Korea. 

That first match in this year’s Arnold Clark Cup, saw central defender Alex Greenwood playing as a full-back. 

Meanwhile skipper Leah Williamson, normally at centre-back, pulled the strings from a deep midfield position.

The move proved beneficial with Greenwood among Wiegman’s standout performers setting up Alessia Russo’s  goal in the 4-0 demolition. 

Wiegman, 53, said: “You want players to be exceptional in the position they play (in).

“But if they can play in more positions, then we have more opportunities in the team. 

“That helps us whenever we have to change and that we have opportunities to stay really strong with changes either on the pitch or when players are substituted in.”

England’s clash with South Korea saw Rachel Daly feature as a forward when she came on as a 64th-minute substitute for Alessia Russo.

The Aston Villa striker is currently the highest English goal scorer in the WSL.

So far this term, Daly has netted 10 goals in 13 top-flight games. 

Daly’s attacking switch has seen her England team-mate Greenwood utilised at left-back for the Euros winners. 

And the Manchester City ace, who has 71 international caps, believes her team-mates’ flexibility on the pitch is important.

Of playing at left-back Greenwood told reporters: “It’s a position I’ve played (in) most of my career anyway so it just becomes natural. 

“Obviously it is different to playing (at) centre-back and there are areas of the game that I have to change but it’s fine. 

“I practice it in training and I’ve got good teammates around me to support me to do that.

“For me personally, it’s just about whatever role I’m asked to do, is to do it the best I can.

“Everyone is going to be asked to do different roles at some point and that’s really important for the team.”

Italy, currently ranked the 17th best team in the world, hope to bounce back from a 2-1 loss to Belgium. 

Their squad contains six players from the Juventus team that won last season’s Serie A Women’s title under former Arsenal boss Joe Montemurro. 

Among them is Cristiana Girelli who made her 100th appearance for the team in the game. 

The Juve ace, 32, said: “I would have preferred to celebrate with a win or in any case with a positive result.

“Unfortunately that wasn’t the case but I’m sure we’ll make up for it.”

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Wiegman added: “They have good players who are pretty experienced.

“We know Girelli, their midfielder, is pretty good. We know Boattin likes to attack. 

“We’ll analyse the team, but then bring it back to how we want to play, being aware of their strengths and trying to exploit some of their possible weaknesses.”