England captain Steph Houghton says that this month’s FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia New Zealand 2023 qualifiers against North Macedonia and Luxembourg provide the squad with a fresh opportunity to impress.
The Lionesses have stuttered on regular occasions since finishing fourth at the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 and much will be expected from the team in their latest qualifying campaign.
New England head coach Sarina Wiegman will take charge of the team for first time in a competitive fixture tomorrow night as the Lionesses face minnows North Macedonia at St Mary’s Stadium and Houghton says that the squad now have a fresh opportunity to show what they are all about.
“For us, this is like starting a fresh, it’s a clean slate for everybody;” Houghton said when speaking in the pre-match press conference in which FAWSL Full-Time were present. “Of course, results after the last World Cup weren’t up to standard and were not what is expected of an England team, there were some performances that were below par.
“For me and for the rest of the players, it is all about trying to go out there and play our football and show everyone just what a good team we are because we have some exceptional players, we have young players that are coming through who are doing it on a regular basis in the WSL and in different leagues.
“I think that there is going to be a lot more energy about us and obviously, it’s a chance to impress the new coach and win two games, that’s the priority above everything else.”
This week saw the first ever England camp of Wiegman’s tenure get underway and Houghton went on to say that things are gelling very quickly between the new staff and players.
She added “I’ve really enjoyed this week so far, I think that we have all been anticipating this camp and as always, it is a privilege to get selected for England.
“We are really excited and really impressed with how well the group have gelled together, not just the players but the staff as well. Everyone feels that we can go on and do something special but obviously, the focus is on tomorrow’s game and Tuesday as it’s important for us to start off well with two wins.
“I just can’t wait to be playing football tomorrow.”
England’s opening FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia New Zealand 2023 qualifier against North Macedonia in Southampton kicks-off at 7pm tomorrow night. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.