Sarina Wiegman’s tactical switch risks playing to their last-16 rivals’ strengths but her tight-knit defence should be up to the job
As one of seven teams to have qualified for all nine Women’s World Cups, Nigeria will not regard themselves as underdogs against England on Monday. Admittedly, the Super Falcons have never progressed beyond the quarter-finals but, after beating Australia 3-2 and drawing 0-0 with the Olympic champions, Canada, their confidence is high.
It probably suits Randy Waldrum’s side that a lot of England fans are likely to underestimate them, but Sarina Wiegman will know an awful lot hinges on the quality and discipline of her team’s press in their new 3-5-2 formation.
