Manchester City’s White nets hat-trick as England cruise to victory over Northern Ireland

Ellen White netted a hat-trick as England defeated Northern Ireland 6-0 in an international friendly match at St George’s Park this afternoon.

White achieved the feat in 49 minutes while there were also goals for Lucy Bronze, Rachel Daly and debutant Ella Toone in what was the Lionesses’ first competitive fixture for almost a year.

England started the match strongly and only the quick reactions of visiting goalkeeper Becky Flaherty denied both Bronze and White an opening goal.

White eventually broke the deadlock in the 18th minute when she capitalised on some sloppy Northern Irish passing at the back before firing the ball across goal into the far corner of the net.

Bronze then crossed for White to net the game’s second goal with a simple finish before Bronze’s cross was blown onto the crossbar.

England were to go into the break three goals to the good when Lauren Hemp’s low pass was swept home by Bronze from point blank range.

The second half began with White lifting the ball just wide when she advanced towards goal before the Manchester City forward completed her hat-trick a minute later with a powerful finish into the roof of the net.

White then had a fourth goal disallowed for offside before Daly prodded home from a few yards to make it 5-0 with a little over 20 minutes to play.

England wrapped up a 6-0 win 15 minutes from time when Toone slotted home a penalty kick on her senior debut after Chloe Kelly had been fouled in the area.

The Lionesses will now look ahead to their next competitive fixture against Canada in April.

Daniel Pentland

I am the editor and owner of FAWSL Full-Time magazine. I have been reporting on men’s and women’s football at various levels since summer 2015. Some of the events which I have reported from include the 2017 UEFA Women’s European Championship, 2018 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup, FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019, SSE Women’s FA Cup final, Emirates FA Cup final, UEFA Europa League, English Football League and various international matches.

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