Bayern Munich and England midfielder Georgia Stanway believes it was “inevitable” that the Lionesses would reach a “plateau” after recent successes, following mounting criticism of their performance in the Women’s Nations League and their failure to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games. The Lionesses, who celebrated historic milestones by winning Euro 2022 and reaching the 2023 World Cup final, have since faced growing scrutiny over recent results.
On Friday, England suffered a 4-3 defeat to Germany in a Wembley friendly, marking the first time they’ve conceded four goals under manager Sarina Wiegman. Reflecting on the loss and the team’s recent form, Stanway suggested that high expectations have made it difficult to continually live up to prior achievements.
“When the expectation is continuous, we are probably not able to live up to it,” Stanway said. “I think it’s inevitable that at some point you are going to plateau.” She acknowledged that after four years with Wiegman at the helm, opposing teams have become familiar with England’s tactics. “We have to work together to reinvent ourselves — change a little bit of tactics… and get the one up on the opposition again,” she added.
Despite the dip in form, Stanway remains optimistic, noting that “facing adversities is normal.” She sees the Germany game as a growth opportunity, emphasizing the importance of being “performance-driven” rather than solely focused on outcomes.
The Lionesses next face South Africa in a friendly at Coventry’s CBS Arena on Tuesday. As the team shifts focus to preparations for Euro 2025, Stanway, along with fellow young players Ella Toone and Alessia Russo, is stepping into a more prominent leadership role. At just 25, Stanway acknowledges the challenge of filling the void left by more experienced players, adding, “I’m also trying to learn every day.”
England fans will be hoping that this “dip in the road” is a stepping stone toward renewed form as the Lionesses strive to build on the foundations set by their recent successes.
