'Inevitable' England would 'plateau' says Stanway

Bayern Munich midfielder Georgia Stanway says it is "inevitable" England would "plateau at some point" having raised expectations.

The Lionesses were crowned Euro 2022 champions and reached the Women's World Cup final in Australia last year.

However, criticism has increased after a disappointing Women's Nations League campaign and their failure to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games.

They were beaten 4-3 by Germany at Wembley in a friendly on Friday - the first time they have conceded four goals since 1997.

"When the expectation is continuous we are probably not able to live up to it. I think it's inevitable that at some point you are going to plateau," said Stanway.

"We have been with Sarina [Wiegman] for four years now so we will get to a point where we can't continuously win because teams will figure us out.

"That's where we have to work together to reinvent ourselves - change a little bit of tactics, bits here and there, and get the one up on the opposition again.

"As much as teams are evolving, we also have to evolve."

The Lionesses take on South Africa at Coventry's CBS Arena on Tuesday (19:45 GMT kick-off) as they continue their preparations for Euro 2025.

Stanway told BBC Radio 5 Live the team have "gone up" under Wiegman and a "dip in the road is normal".

"Facing adversities is normal. The Germany game was interesting. We couldn't get control but it was an opportunity to keep growing," she added.

"Outside media think us having a good game is the result. We need to become performance-driven.

"Playing for England is another level. We drive the standards, need consistency in emotion and set an example. People forget we lost a lot of big characters.

"Myself, [Ella] Toone and Alessia [Russo] were born in 1999. We're not experienced leaders yet but I'm only 25. I’m also trying to learn every day."

Manager Wiegman was questioned on her team selection with in-form centre-back Alex Greenwood and midfielders Grace Clinton and Jess Park being overlooked in the starting XI for Friday's defeat.

She confirmed there will be changes against South Africa but asked if she thinks criticism has been fair, Wiegman said it "doesn't matter" because her side are only focused on improving.

"What we look at is what we do as a team and how we execute the plan and do our high press. In moments we didn't do that right and against a top-level team like Germany, we will be exposed. That's what happened," added Wiegman.

"Of course we are so visible so expectations are really high. Yes, we definitely have to deal with that.

"There is criticism from outside which is all right but we know exactly what we're working on and where we want to go to.

"I think from the outside world it's a bit too much results related. We always look at the bigger picture."

Wiegman has been nominated for the Coach of the Year award at Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony, while England trio Lauren James, Lucy Bronze and Lauren Hemp are all up for the players' award.

Last year, Stanway said it was "unfortunate" that female players were unable to attend as they were on international duty.

It is the same case this time around and Wiegman emphasised her disappointment at having to miss out again.

"It's really disappointing because it's a moment to celebrate women’s football and come together as a whole community so you want to be there," she said.

"We have a job to do and we are here. It would be really helpful if [the awards were] planned on another date."

Wiegman told BBC Radio 5 Live the Football Association had asked the organisers to reconsider the date for the ceremony.

"I spoke to the players who were nominated. They are really disappointed we are here and they can't celebrate," added Wiegman.

"Nobody wants to take that away. We have a job to do, and they shouldn't be put in those situations again."