Sarina Wiegman is one of the best coaches in the world at figuring out a tactical problem, but even she has now wondered whether she got it right against Nigeria. After hours of analysis following the last-16 tie, the thinking has been England should have gone to a back four. It has influenced some of the approach ahead of the quarter-final against Colombia. Wiegman and her staff are expecting a similar game, and another battle. The latter, like with Nigeria, is not to just reductively describe Colombia as a “physical” team - although that is precisely how England have been preparing. Wiegman has also been planning for the fine side the South Americans are, with special attention paid to star forward Linda Caicedo. It is more how England are now into classic tournament football, even if it is far from the historic surge through Euro 2022. While that almost became free-wheeling at times, this has been a slog. Much of that has been down to injuries. Some of it has been down to the ultra-competitive nature of this World Cup, as best illustrated by Colombia’s group-stage defeat of Germany. Wiegman has felt at times that every aspect of this tournament has been a fight, with a new problem seeming to follow every one that is solved. How else to describe Lauren James’ inexplicable decision that got her sent off against Nigeria, when it had seemed like she could seize the entire World Cup. She is considered fortunate to have got off with just two games, although the England squad obviously won’t consider that any kind of reprieve unless they actually make the final. For now, it’s just something else for Wiegman and her staff to figure out; more work. That’s been the theme, especially on the pitch in every match except the win over China. “A lot of it is mentality and a lot of it is resilience,” Beth England said this week. “That’s tournament football. There’s a lot of experienced players in this group and they are used to having to do that. It’s a lot of girls who it’s their first tournament and it’s a fine balance.” “Balance” has been the theme of this week’s work. Wiegman has been trying to figure out the system that retains England’s brilliant defence, but allows them to start creating chances again. That is tough to strike, especially with so many key absences and so many forwards off form. It is potentially putting what got them this far against what might be necessary to go and win the tournament. That such a crunch decision comes at the quarter-final is itself symbolic, since this is generally known in international football as the real dividing line of a tournament. It is when the actual challengers are separated from the surprises, the overachievers and the pretenders. This game encapsulates much of that. England are European champions and clearly one of the most talented squads in the World Cup, with that undercut by a variety of problems as well as, perhaps, questions over whether they could have a more overarching identity. Colombia have meanwhile been tournament revelations. While they should and always have been respected, beating Germany and finishing top of Group H took them to another level. The question - as with Nigeria, and even now in the quarter-finals with the eliminated Japan - is whether they have expended most of their energy or if they actually have more to give. They should be invigorated by how this is an open tournament. The fact they played a day later might be key, mind, because energy is a huge part of this. That’s something else that tournament football comes down to - getting through it. The England players felt exhausted after the Nigeria win, which was “emotionally draining” as much as physically draining. That extra day was seen as vital, though. The players got proper rest, with the tranquil seaside setting of Terrigal greatly helping players to relax and reset. That’s been especially true of the defence, where Alex Greenwood and captain Millie Bright have excelled. The latter has so far put in one of those vintage centre-half campaigns, where it looks like the more immersive nature of a tournament has brought her to deeper levels. She is not just winning everything but giving everything as she does so. This has been key. It has also played on Wiegman’s mind as he seeks that balance. While there has been so much focus on the attack, and the make-up of it, the defence has been rock-solid. The Lionesses have yet to concede a goal form open play. “Some of our defensive work has been fantastic as a whole team,” goalkeeper Mary Earps said. That carries a side an awful long way. While England obviously want to win this in normal time with a properly attacking performance - Earps spoke of how “you’ve seen glimpses of what we’re capable of” - they are ready to go to penalties. That was something that became clear in the Nigeria game, in what has been another theme of England’s campaign. Unable to do what made the Euro 2022 victory, they have so far overcome that with diligence and pragmatism. Some might say too pragmatic. There is an increasing argument that England might be left short because, like the USA, they don’t have the overarching playing identity that Spain, France or Australia have. That feels like it is a discussion that can only really take place if they get to meet any of those sides, though. “The most important thing to note is that we’re winning games,” Earps added. “We’re in a results-business so we’ve earned the right to be here.” They now have to show they can go even further. It might not even be about getting it right. It might be about getting through it. Read More How to watch England vs Colombia: TV channel and start time for Women’s World Cup fixture Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match today Why Lauren James must be protected, not vilified, after World Cup red Women’s World Cup golden boot: Who’s leading the top-scorer standings? Who and when do England play next? Lionesses route to the World Cup final

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Wales boss Rob Page has backed Brennan Johnson to fill the striker void at Tottenham left by Harry Kane’s departure. Record Spurs goal-scorer Kane moved to Bayern Munich in a £100million deal earlier this month and Tottenham have yet to replace him ahead of Friday’s transfer deadline. But Tottenham are leading the chase for Wales forward Johnson with Nottingham Forest ready to listen to offers around the £50m mark. “I wouldn’t even talk about the Harry Kane situation and going in to fill that,” Page said after naming a 25-man squad for the September 7 friendly with South Korea and the crunch Euro 2024 qualifier in Latvia four days later. “He’s his own person and player, a different type of player. I think he’s just got to go.” Page saw Johnson play for Forest on Saturday in their 3-2 defeat at Manchester United. Johnson came off 20 minutes from time, but Page said the 22-year-old was “fully fit” for international duty. “Young players today – and Brennan falls into this category – are a confident breed and he’s more than capable of playing at that level (for Tottenham),” said Page. “I think Brennan has a good support network around him. I know his dad (David), who used to play so he’s been through all this himself. “You need that network as a young lad. I don’t believe he will get carried with it. He will stay grounded and won’t change. “You don’t go into a club expecting to fill somebody’s else’s boots. “He’s a very different player to Harry and, if he goes there, it is on his own ability and what he can offer to the team.” Leeds winger Daniel James is sidelined by an adductor injury while Joe Morrell and Kieffer Moore – who are available for the Cardiff friendly with South Korea – are suspended for the trip to Riga after receiving respective red cards against Armenia and Turkey in June. Tom Lockyer is in the squad for the first time since collapsing in the Sky Bet Championship play-off final at Wembley in May. Lockyer underwent an operation to address an irregular heartbeat but has since returned to action to lead Luton in their first Premier League campaign. Page said: “It’s a great story. We all watched the events unfold in the play-off final. We were all concerned, but there has been nothing but positivity since that day. “He has had some great news, he is back to normal and is now playing in the Premier League, which is unbelievable for him as well. “It is always going to be a challenge when you get promoted to the Premier League, Luton have done really well to be where they are at with the resources they have available to them. We all watched the events unfold in the play-off final. We were all concerned, but there has been nothing but positivity since that day Rob Page on Tom Lockyer “But for him personally he should be very proud of how he has recovered after it. A dream for him was to play in the Premier League and he has achieved that.” Josh Sheehan and Wes Burns earn recalls as Ollie Cooper and Luke Harris drop out of the squad. Fulham midfielder Harris, 18, has been in and around the squad for the past 12 months but has yet to be capped. “It’s ironic, isn’t it?,” said Page. “Luke’s not been involved for Fulham and the day I announce the squad the night before he’s on the bench and comes on. “The plan might be that Luke still goes out on loan to play games at a lower level. “We see potential in him, but it hasn’t quite gone how I anticipated if I’m being honest. “But like with Rubin (Colwill) and JJ (Jordan James) we’ve wanted to see them play more games. “It’s about managing Luke and he’ll drop back down to the Under-21s now. “It benefited Harry Wilson when Ryan (Giggs) was manager and, although it’s good we can expose him to this environment, there’s nothing like playing games and getting caps.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live The key questions behind Vera Pauw’s Republic of Ireland departure Savannah Marshall would relish rematch with rival Claressa Shields in MMA cage England Women to get same match fees as men after Ashes summer boosts profile

Kevin De Bruyne struck a stunning equaliser as Manchester City claimed a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid. The Belgian cancelled out an equally brilliant first-half effort from Vinicius Junior when he fired past international team-mate Thibaut Courtois from the edge of the area after 67 minutes in the Bernabeu Stadium. Treble-chasing City had dominated a lot of the early play but holders Real drew first blood in a tense battle when Vinicius lashed home from 25 yards after 36 minutes. The result leaves the tie delicately poised ahead of next week’s return clash at the Etihad Stadium. City came into the fixture looking to avenge their loss to Real at the same stage last year and were not fazed by their return to the scene of their late capitulation in that tie. They started strongly, controlling possession in their usual confident manner and patiently looking to carve out opportunities. When the chances came they initially found Courtois in defiant mood. The former Chelsea number one saved well from De Bruyne before pushing away a Rodri effort and twice denying Erling Haaland. Real rarely got out of their own half early on but they did serve warning of their threat when Vinicius broke and centred for Karim Benzema but the Frenchman failed to control. As the first half wore on the hosts grew into the game and Ederson needed to be alert to prevent Benzema reaching a Rodrygo through-ball. The hosts snatched the lead after Eduardo Camavinga combined with Luka Modric and then played Vinicius through. The Brazilian sped onto the ball and unleashed a ferocious drive which flew past Ederson. City did not panic in response but Real then began testing their patience. Jack Grealish had come in for some rough treatment from Dani Carvajal since the start and things threatened to get out of hand when the Spaniard barged the City midfielder into the advertising hoardings. When Carvajal held out an arm to help the Englishman up, Grealish attempted to push him away and Carvajal flung himself to the ground theatrically. Portuguese referee Artur Dias let that incident go but did get out his yellow card soon after when Toni Kroos fouled Ilkay Gundogan after one of several skirmishes between the Germany team-mates. City manager Pep Guardiola was far from happy with the officials as the first half drew to a close and Real’s spoiling tactics continued after the break. City tried to avoid the distractions and went close again when De Bruyne broke clear but Courtois stuck out a hand to save at close range. David Alaba produced a fine tackle to prevent Haaland shooting. The visitors had to do some defending too and they conceded a succession of corners before Federico Valverde shot narrowly over. Yet City were not flustered and they equalised in the 67th minute with a superb strike from De Bruyne. This time Courtois had no chance as De Bruyne fired into the bottom corner from just outside the area. Real manager Carlo Ancelotti was booked amid some commotion on the touchline as De Bruyne celebrated. Real finished strongly and Ederson produced fine saves to keep out a header from Benzema and a long-range shot from Aurelien Tchouameni. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Jay Rodriguez revels in ‘surreal’ promotion as Burnley celebrate title Rain ends Ireland’s automatic World Cup hopes Dispute over Emiliano Sala’s transfer to Cardiff to be resolved in French courts

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