England boss Wiegman disappointed by small stadium choice for Lionesses’ World Cup qualifier duel with Austria
SARINA WIEGMAN says it is “disappointing” Austria’s and England’s World Cup qualifying clash will be hosted at a 3,000-seater ground.
Today a sell-out crowd of just 2,700 fans is expected to watch the sides battle it out at the home of a third-tier Austrian men’s club.
It is thought to be the first time in Austria’s history that a women’s national team game has sold out.
However, the turnout at Wiener Neustadt Stadium will be in stark contrast to the 68,871 spectators who watched the Lionesses beat Austria 1-0 at Old Trafford at the Euros.
Their tournament opener in July set a new record for fan attendance at a Women’s Euros game.
Wiegman, 52, told reporters: “Coming from the Euros, it was really good and now this stadium is small.
“We would like to see some more people. I think the Austria team are ready for that too, so it’s a little bit disappointing.
“I hope in the future they’ll take another decision
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“But it also shows that the women’s game is developing so much that we need to think bigger, and that we can play in bigger stadiums.
“The Austria team has developed so much and has done such a good job.”
England vice-captain Millie Bright, 29, echoed her gaffer’s words.
With the visitors needing a draw to qualify for next year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, the Lionesses’ centre-back is focused on the task at hand.
Bright, who has 58 senior international caps, added: “We’re just focused on ourselves and our game plan and going into this, getting the job done.
“In any stadium we play in we want to perform and it would be nice to have bigger crowds.
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“We’re hoping the women’s game can keep moving in that direction and everybody can push for bigger stadiums.”
England, who won their first European Championship crown in July, go into the 4:30 pm duel with every member of their 23-strong squad fit.
The Euros winners will also play Luxembourg on Tuesday in the second of their two World Cup qualifiers with the match taking place at the home of Stoke City.
Both games come just days ahead of the start of the new WSL season which kicks off on September 11.
And Bright brushed off any suggestion of her team-mates feeling the exertions of going all the way in a major tournament off the back of a busy domestic season.
The England ace added: “It’s always difficult coming off the back of tournaments and getting straight back into it, but as a footballer that is your job.
“You do have to expect this kind of schedule from time to time.
“It’s not always going to be perfect, but we’ve all come in with a great mentality.
“Everyone is looking good, and we’re excited about the game.”