Unveiling the Success of England’s Under-23s: Paving the Way for Future Lionesses

The Lionesses’ Success and the Impact of Sarina Wiegman

In recent years, England’s women’s football team, known as the Lionesses, have made waves on the global stage. However, their success is not limited to just the senior squad. Since the arrival of manager Sarina Wiegman in September 2021, other England women’s teams have also flourished under her leadership.

Restructuring for Success

Upon taking charge, Dutchwoman Wiegman had a clear plan to achieve success with England. One crucial aspect was restructuring the age-group teams to provide better development opportunities for young players.

Prior to this restructuring phase, Covid-19 had disrupted competitive football for England’s youngsters for about 18 months. However, thanks to support from the Football Association (FA), new development squads and competitions were established.

A Journey of Structural Changes

The youth squads faced several challenges even before the pandemic hit. FIFA had increased the top level of its age-group competitions from under-21s to under-23s which led to numerous structural adjustments within these teams since Hope Powell left her role as senior manager in 2013.

Finding Alignment with Rivals

In an effort to align England’s development squads with their counterparts from other nations, a major review took place in 2018. Kay Cossington, the FA’s head of women’s development, played a pivotal role in this process. Spain, who were reigning European and world champions at the under-17 level as well as European under-19 champions in 2018, served as an inspiration for England.

The Role of Mo Marley

When Covid restrictions eased, esteemed youth coach Mo Marley came out of retirement to oversee the newly formed under-21s squad (later becoming the England Under-23 team). Working closely with Wiegman, Marley helped bridge the gap between these young players and the senior squad.

Wiegman emphasized how crucial it was for younger age groups to gain valuable experience by playing against different nations and adapting to new styles and surroundings. This exposure allows them not only to develop as players but also as individuals.

A New Generation Emerges

In recent years, several promising players have made significant leaps within England’s women’s teams. Goalkeeper Emily Ramsey along with defenders Maya Le Tissier, Anna Patten, and Lucy Parker have all shown tremendous growth. Ebony Salmon, Jess Park,and Katie Robinson are among the talented attackers emerging from these development squads.

Additionally,on-loan Tottenham midfielder Grace Clinton and Manchester City goalkeeper Khiara Keating earned their first call-ups to Wiegman’s national team after impressing for the under-23s side.

Growth Under Emma Coates’ Guidance

Now nearly two years since undergoing restructuring,the England Under-23s continue to thrive under manager Emma Coates.They currently boast an unbeaten record this year,having collaborated with eight European nations in establishing a competitive league running throughoutthe2023-24 campaign.

While England still has ground to cover in catching up with Spain’s dominance at the youth level,progress is being made. Unfortunately, England did not qualify for the Under-20 and Under-17 World Cups in 2022 nor the European Under-19 Championship in 2023.

Further Coaching Additions

This summer, the coaching staff was bolstered with retired midfielder Remi Allen joining former England international Anita Asante and ex-Aston Villa boss Gemma Davies. These additions reflect a commitment to nurturing and developing England’s young talent further.

“It’s incredibly important,” expressed Coates.”Everyone can see how rapidly the game is growing,and that gap between under-19s and senior team was getting wider.The establishment of a formalized competition structure has been crucial.”