Sarina Weigman “doesn’t mention” England’s unbeaten run as it stretches to 29

Weigman’s side that maintained the Lionesses as Arnold Clark Cup holders. Weigman’s side that maintained the Lionesses as Arnold Clark Cup holders.
Weigman’s side that maintained the Lionesses as Arnold Clark Cup holders. | AFP via Getty Images
England were crowned winners of the Arnold Clark Cup for the second year running, finishing the competition in style beating second placed Belgium 6-1 at Ashton Gate.

The victory makes it 29 games unbeaten for Sarina Weigman’s side, a record however that the Lionesses manager doesn’t take much notice in.

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“We don’t speak about that record at all,” said the 53-year-old. “Of course, it’s really nice and you want to win every game but that’s just the standard of this team.”

Weigman watched on as her side strolled to success in Bristol, with doubles from Chloe Kelly and Leah Williamson, Lucy Bronze and a Julie Biesmans own-goal putting the Lionesses six to the good, despite a late concelation from Elena Dhont.

“We want to win the game because we are 29 games unbeaten, of course that’s really nice so let’s play 200 games and win all of them, but that’s not what we’re focused on.”

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A bumper crowd of over 26,000 watched the Lionesses put Belgium to the sword in an utterly dominant performance, in which they limited their opponents to only 30% of the ball, and one shot on target – a late wonder-strike from Elena Dhont.

“We focus on our style of play and how we can improve that in all parts of the game. In possession, out of possession, in transition, that’s what we’re talking about all the time to make the chance of winning the next game as high as possible.”

The cup win is the perfect build up to the World Cup this summer, with England looking to build on their fourth place last time, and their European Championship victory last summer.

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“I am happy with the win but also happy with what we have done this week and how we have worked together in taking the next steps in preparation for the World Cup.”

“We go into the tournament; whatever tournament it is you want to win it. I said also before this week that we wanted to try out some new things, we wanted to see lots of new players, some new combinations of players and we also wanted to manage loads and that’s exactly what we did and.”

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