Grace Clinton: Is Manchester United midfielder pushing to start for England at Euro 2025?
Wigman has been criticized before for her selections, often opting for experienced players and familiar starting lineups.
But she made 10 changes in the win over Switzerland, giving Mays and Laura Blindkild-Brown their senior debuts and adding Millie Turner and Aggie Beaver- Jones made his first start.
She was asked about several people’s performances during the postgame press conference and tried to avoid naming them individually, going out of her way to praise Jesse Parker when prompted to discuss Clinton’s performance.
“I think (Clinton’s) progress is good,” Wegman added. “She still has to do some things. She had a great game and she has more great games to come.
“The next step is to get into the team more often and be consistent. I’m really happy with her. You can really see her improving.
“But I also thought Jesse Parker made a difference today.”
United boss Skinner said in November that he had no doubt Hillary would “put herself in the best position” for regular England selection, but he was cautious not to rush her international development.
There is competition for positions, with regular starters Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway being mainstays in Wigman’s side, while Parker and injured midfielder Ella Toone are strong No. 10 options.
Leicester City’s Metz also played as a defensive midfielder in the home game against Switzerland, which increased Wigman’s options.
“You know what we are like in England, we recognize talent, put it on a pedestal and say, ‘Fuck off’ and then we try to knock it down,” Skinner said in November.
“(Clinton) enjoys the game and that’s my job, to keep Grace in that space. When she’s in that space, she’s going to do whatever it takes to get picked by England.”
England will select their Euro 2025 group stage opponents when a draw is held in Switzerland on December 16.
Ahead of Euro 2025, they must play another Women’s Nations League match in which they will vs. world champion Spainas well as Belgium and Portugal.
“Physical fitness is a big thing when you go into these games and play every three or four days,” said former England captain Stephen Houghton.
“What I’ve seen from Grace Clinton is the ability to counterattack, defend and be present in the penalty area. Now, she’s adding goals to her game.
“She has no experience but over the next six months it will be crucial and Salina has given her the opportunity to secure the position.”
