\n<\/p>\n
As one BBC Sport live text reader, Brian, wrote: “What is the point of this match? It is a waste of England’s time.”<\/p>\n
It was a harsh assesment after such a dazzling display – which the 74,611 inside Wembley Stadium no doubt enjoyed – but could Wiegman have given more minutes to some of England’s unfamiliar stars?<\/p>\n
Former England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley told BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra 2: “I think the opportunity may have been missed to start a few more debutants or give players more caps – maybe make some changes a bit sooner.<\/p>\n
“We knew it was going to be comfortable maybe a quarter of the way through the first half. <\/p>\n
“This felt more like an opportunity for the fans to come and see the players as opposed to anything they are really going to glean from a tactical point of view.”<\/p>\n
Lucia Kendall impressed on her debut in a 3-0 win over Australia last month so to experience a sold-out Wembley from the start would have been invaluable. She did come on, but not until the 68th minute with England already leading 6-0.<\/p>\n
Forward Freya Godfrey, 20, was an unused substitute after earning her first call-up this week, while Taylor Hinds picked up her second cap, but only played 15 minutes.<\/p>\n
The one player who was handed a debut – goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse – had little chance to impress because of the dominance of her side.<\/p>\n
It was a very experienced midfield and frontline in the starting XI with Aggie Beever-Jones having to sit out for regular number nine Alessia Russo.<\/p>\n
An injury-hit defence did see changes, though Arsenal centre-back Lotte Wubben-Moy was still on the bench.<\/p>\n
Ian Wright said on ITV before kick-off: “At some stage, that has to happen [to see more youngsters]. We want to see more of those players. <\/p>\n
“I think with the World Cup in 2027, we need to know that there are players who can come through and make the step up.”<\/p>\n
These friendlies are the opportunity to do that. <\/p>\n
Stiff competition lies ahead with World Cup qualification starting in March – and a double header against world champions Spain in 2026. <\/p>\n
It is rare that Wiegman does not have pressure on her shoulders and England, while an 8-0 win should be applauded, does not have much to gain when connections are being strengthened between players who may not feature in two years’ time.<\/p>\n
Could Wiegman have changed things up even more when England’s lead was so dominating, so early on?<\/p>\n
“We take every game seriously and when we substitute three players at half-time I think that’s enough,” she said. <\/p>\n
“We have a squad of 25 and there are many players that are knocking on the door. Everyone wants to play. <\/p>\n
“Some players are just coming into the squad and finding their feet. Other players have done a great job for us and are competing for starting positions. Changing one or two players, I didn’t want to do that.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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