Lionesses have ‘big opportunity’ as Euro 2025 qualifying approaches – Sarina Wiegman

England have “moved on” from the disappointment of missing out on Olympic qualification and are focused on the defence of their European title, says manager Sarina Wiegman.

It means Wiegman’s side have non-competitive fixtures against Austria and Italy as part of a warm-weather training camp in Marbella this week, which the 54-year-old said is ideal preparation for the start of Euro 2025 qualifying in April.

“I see it as a great start to our Euros campaign with two friendlies and not much travelling,” Wiegman told BBC Sport.

“After the very disappointing result of not qualifying for the play-offs to qualify for the Olympics, we moved on.

“It’s a big opportunity to see many players, see where everyone is at the moment and move on [with Euros qualification] in April.”

Wiegman’s squad have been joined by England’s under-23s in Spain for the first time.

Bristol City defender Naomi Layzell was called up to first team training on Wednesday and Wiegman said it was a good opportunity to assess England’s future talent.

“There’s two teams and I haven’t seen the seniors since December too so we had to catch up. But I have shared a few things from us [with the under-23s],” added Wiegman.

“We had Naomi in our training group and it’s just really good to see them. A lot of them are players for the future. Hopefully they can start competing with the seniors in the squad as it’s good for English football.”

Wiegman hopes Austria will provide a test on Friday but intends to “try out new things” as they begin preparations for the defence of their Euro 2022 title.

“Austria didn’t have an easy group in the Nations League. They are improving and have consistency,” she added.

“They have grown as a team to improve their style of play. They are tough, physical, well-organised and don’t fear to play opportunistically with the pace they have up front. I think we will be tested which is what we want.”

‘We want decisions to taken away from players’

Wiegman has raised concerns previously about the football calendar and the lack of rest for international players.

A number of high-profile players have suffered serious injuries, while England duo Leah Williamson and Millie Bright, who captained them to the Euro 2022 and Women’s World Cup finals respectively, are not available for these friendlies.

“We are in contact with [clubs] all the time, before camp, after camp and we update each other,” said Wiegman.

“We have the opportunity to try things but also manage minutes with the busy calendar – that’s something to be aware of too.

“Of course, we have an issue with injuries, but that’s a bigger issue than those two injuries, it’s about the load of the players, and the calendar we talk about a lot. We have to address the calendar.

“We really ask Uefa and Fifa to change things, but we are doing our job as best we can, with all the expertise within our team. We have a programme, and then we also monitor the players really well so we think we’re doing the right thing.

“You’re in an environment where injuries can happen because it’s a physical sport but we do the best to minimise that.”

England midfielder Georgia Stanway says players want decisions to be “taken away from us” regarding the schedule.

“I think that’s something that we spoke about last year also, is just allowing the team above us to make the decisions and then we can just go with it,” said Stanway.

“It is a potential burnout. But we play football, we love football, football is our life. Everything we do is to be successful on the pitch.

“We know that we’ll put ourselves in the best possible position for Euro 2025 because that’s the trophy that we want to maintain.”

Park takes confidence from City form

One player hoping to be given an opportunity to impress in the two friendlies is Manchester City’s Jess Park.

The 22-year-old scored within a minute of making her debut as a late substitute in November 2022 but missed out on the Women’s World Cup squad.

“I’ve moved into a new position and I’ve taken to it quite well I think,” said Park, who has enjoyed recent success at City, filling in for injured midfielder Jill Roord.

“I enjoy playing that position, I always have. I’ve got a bit of confidence from the manager. I’ve come here off the back of that and I feel ready to go and I’m happy to be here.”

Park, who progressed from the under-23s, says she has taken inspiration from England full-back Lucy Bronze and other experienced players in the first team squad.

“Their experience is so much, talking to them and being with them and training in that environment does give you so much experience yourself,” added Park.

“They give me tips and things like that. It really helps. I always like talking to Lucy [Bronze]. Her experience and the way she plays… obviously I was playing as a winger so her point of view as a full-back is really interesting.”