Lionesses Take Step Closer to World Cup but Do Not Look Like They Can Win It

**Lead**

The Lionesses have taken another step towards World Cup glory, but their performances on the pitch have done little to inspire confidence that they can go all the way. While results have been positive, the manner of their progression has left fans and pundits questioning whether this side possesses the tactical edge, ruthlessness, and sheer quality required to lift the trophy. Each victory has been hard-fought, but the underlying problems persist.

**Context**

England arrived at this World Cup as one of the favourites, buoyed by their historic European Championship triumph on home soil in 2022. Manager Sarina Wiegman, who led the Netherlands to victory in the previous edition of this tournament, brought a wealth of experience and a winning mentality. The squad is packed with world-class talent, including goalkeeper Mary Earps, defender Lucy Bronze, and forward Lauren Hemp. However, the transition from continental champions to global contenders has proven far from seamless.

In the group stage, England secured the points needed to advance, but their displays were often laboured. Opponents who sat deep and defended in numbers caused significant problems, with the Lionesses struggling to create clear-cut chances. The midfield, once a source of creativity and control, has at times appeared disjointed. Injuries to key players, such as Leah Williamson and Beth Mead, have forced Wiegman to reshuffle her pack, and the new combinations have yet to click with the fluidity seen during the Euros.

Even in the knockout rounds, the pattern has been similar. England have dominated possession and territory, but that dominance has rarely translated into sustained pressure or a flurry of goals. Instead, they have relied on set pieces, individual moments of brilliance, or sheer perseverance to break down stubborn defences. Their opponents, aware of England's vulnerabilities, have grown bolder as matches have progressed. The sense of control that characterised Wiegman's early reign has given way to a more anxious, error-prone style.

**Analysis**

The fundamental issue facing this England side is a lack of clinical finishing and a tendency to become predictable in the final third. Without the injured Mead, the team has lacked a natural goal scorer who can turn half-chances into goals. Defensively, while the backline remains solid, there have been moments of vulnerability when pressed by more dynamic opponents. The Lionesses have relied heavily on set pieces and individual moments of brilliance rather than a cohesive attacking pattern. The midfield trio, once a seamless unit, now appears hesitant, with too many passes going sideways or backwards.

Against higher-ranked teams in the knockout stages, these weaknesses are likely to be exposed. The hallmark of a truly world-class side is the ability to dominate games from start to finish, and England have rarely achieved that in this tournament. They have won, but they have not impressed. If they are to stand any chance of winning the World Cup, they must find a way to raise their intensity and precision quickly, as the margins for error in the latter rounds are razor-thin.

Moreover, the psychological burden of expectation cannot be underestimated. The Lionesses are no longer underdogs; they are the hunted. Every opponent raises their game against the European champions. England have shown resilience in grinding out results, but resilience alone does not win World Cups. They need to rediscover the swagger and attacking verve that defined their Euro campaign. The competition, meanwhile, is fierce: traditional powerhouses like the United States, as well as rising forces such as Japan and Sweden, have displayed greater fluency and purpose. England cannot afford to play within themselves any longer.

**Sources**

This analysis draws on observations from the tournament, commentary from BBC Sport, Sky Sports, The Guardian, and The Athletic, as well as expert opinion from former players and coaches. No specific numbers or direct quotes have been used, in line with editorial guidelines.