Wiegman makes tactical changes for England vs Ukraine qualifier

England manager Sarina Wiegman confirmed tactical changes for the World Cup qualifier against Ukraine after Spain’s 4-0 win last weekend. The Lionesses host Ukraine at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on Tuesday in their final qualifier, needing to better Spain’s result in Iceland to secure top spot in Group A3. Any other outcome would force them into the play-offs. Wiegman described Spain’s defeat as a "hit on the chin" but praised the team’s resilience. "We said straight after the game on the pitch, ‘OK, this one’s really hard to take’. It felt like a hit on the chin," she said. "Then it’s so important to stick together. It’s really easy when things go well that everyone sticks together but, when you have a setback like this, that’s when we show ourselves." England remain on the back foot for automatic qualification after the loss to Spain. With Spain heavily favoured against Iceland, England are likely facing the play-offs. Wiegman emphasized the qualifier’s importance, stating, "It is a qualifier still, we want to win the game, but there are some tactical decisions to make because we expect different challenges." She confirmed squad alterations would be tactical, not rotational. "Yes, I will make some changes. There are some players knocking on the door and I want to see them," Wiegman added ahead of Monday’s training session. Against Ukraine—who have lost all five group matches—Wiegman stressed the need for an early goal. "What we can control is our game and it would be really nice for us to get an early goal. That’s what we’re going after," she said. "We want to play well, we want to execute, we want to be on the ball a lot. We want to create chances, score goals and not concede any." Wiegman reported no new injury concerns and will monitor events in Iceland without sharing updates with players. "We have someone there. We want to be updated live with what’s going on but we’re not planning on sharing that with players. We have to win this game and that’s what we’re going after," she stated.