Northern Ireland boss Kenny Shiels offers 'massive failure' verdict on England's Euro prospects

Northern Ireland boss Kenny Shiels insisted it would be a “massive failure” if England did not win Euro 2022 after seeing his side brushed aside by the host nation. The Lionesses cruised to a 5-0 victory over Shiels’ team at St Mary’s Stadium on Friday night to finish top of Group A with a 100 per cent record and cement their place among the tournament favourites.

Having felt the full force of what England have to offer, the Northern Ireland manager was unequivocal over their prospects.

Shiels said: “We didn’t play out as much as we would have normally because they’re too good for us, and it would be a massive failure if they didn’t win this tournament. Everybody else should just go home.”

England’s performance was all the more impressive given the absence of head coach Sarina Wiegman, who was back at the team hotel after testing positive for Covid-19.

Assistant coach Arjan Veurink said: “Of course we wanted to continue the good journey we’re on at the moment, so I think Sarina will be really happy with this performance as well.

(Andrew Matthews/PA)

“I think the team showed that whatever is going on we have lots of qualities and that pleased me the most.

“They were calm, they were relaxed and it’s not great that Sarina is not here, but they reacted really well and I am happy with the team’s performances and the great goals they scored.”

Wiegman could also be absent for England’s quarter-final clash. After finishing spot of Group A, they will face the runners-up from Group B – either Spain or Denmark – on Wednesday at Brighton.

“As we all know every individual reacts different to Covid, so it’s tough for me to say anything about that,” Veurink said. “But, as Covid taught us, we can do lots of things digitally as well so