Grace Clinton's meteoric rise continues, her prowess and finesse evident after a season-long stint with Tottenham last year and a dazzling performance in Manchester United's lineup since September. At a frigid Bramall Lane on Tuesday night, her abilities were once again on full display in England's 1-0 victory, but another attribute was also showcased: her leadership.
In Sarina Wiegman's B team—only Jess Park retained her position following Saturday's 0-0 draw with the USA—Clinton assumed the role of conductor. Making her fifth appearance for the senior side, the 21-year-old was the sixth most-capped player in the experimental lineup—with only Millie Bright (84 caps), Esme Morgan, Hannah Hampton (10 caps each), and Park (12 caps) having more experience—for the starting Lionesses in Sheffield. However, it was Clinton who took charge, a dynamic focal point around which her teammates revolved, always ready to collect and distribute.
When England had possession, Clinton was eager for the ball, frequently raising her arm to call for the pass; when she spotted a better option, she would direct the play or indicate the recipient; if she wanted the ball at her feet, she would gesture with both hands towards the ground. This level of leadership from one of the most crucial creative positions on the pitch is both thrilling and uncommon for someone so young and relatively inexperienced at the highest level.
In theory, England doesn't need depth in the No 10 position, but in practice, they are lacking. Their Euro 2022 stalwart Fran Kirby is once again dealing with injury following the USA match, and Ella Toone and Lauren James are nursing calf injuries, with the latter missing the last two international camps. Clinton could be the solution, her on-field direction setting her apart from her peers in the role.
It was a missed opportunity not to see the United player test her developing rapport with England's more seasoned players at Wembley on Saturday. Park was given that chance, before making way for Kirby. When asked about Clinton's unexpected leadership at her age, Wiegman noted that, particularly in the first half, it was due to her and most of the team feeling “very comfortable,” with a few newer players “finding their footing.”
“How we got in the pockets with players close to her felt really comfortable,” Wiegman said. “That was really good to see. What I would like to see more from her is that she is overseeing things even when the phase of the game is faster than it was tonight, but you can see she is on her way and improving.”
It was fitting that the Liverpool-born midfielder would score the decisive goal, a testament to her growing importance for both now and the future. Her alertness to the rebound, after Millie Turner had headed Park's cross off the post, reflected the confidence with which she is playing. It was also her third goal in five games for the Lionesses, and although they failed to extend their lead, her link-up play with Aggie Beever-Jones was a highlight of a somewhat disjointed match—expected with 10 changes and so few caps on the pitch.
Wiegman acknowledged that Clinton still “has to do a couple of things,” adding that the next step for the young midfielder is “to get into the squad more often and achieve consistency. But I was happy, and you can really tell she is developing.”
She is steadily building that consistency. She already has three goals in eight games for United, seamlessly integrating into the midfield. Last season, she scored four in 20 games while on loan at Tottenham. The Beatles’ Revolution and Oasis’s Half the World Away demonstrate that a B side can outshine its A side, but with so many changes, there was little chance of Wiegman's second string doing so comprehensively at Bramall Lane.
However, Clinton stands out, the player who appears ready for the big stage and eager to seize her opportunity to secure a coveted spot in the squad for the 2025 Euros in Switzerland. In the new year, the prospect of Clinton's increasing integration into the starting XI is an exciting one.
Source link: https://www.theguardian.com
