England have started their FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia New Zealand 2023 qualifying campaign in style with an 8-0 victory over North Macedonia at St Mary’s Stadium.
The Lionesses dominated throughout with the goals coming from Ella Toone, Ellen White, Beth England and Beth Mead while there were also two North Macedonian own goals. Despite the sizeable scoreline, England will still be slightly disappointed with the chances missed against a significantly weaker team.
The Lionesses got off to a strong start with right-back Rachel Daly finding Lauren Hemp and Toone in the box, however, the two Manchester rivals were unable to convert their early chances.
In the 12th minute, captain for the night Leah Williamson took control of game. Arsenal’s centre-back turned England midfielder, threaded the ball through to forward Toone, who was able to comfortably slot her shot past North Macedonia keeper Suarta Rechi.
Even with a high level of dominance, England were missing many chances, including by the usually free-scoring Ellen White. However, four minutes before half-time, the Manchester City striker sided-footed the ball into the bottom left corner from inside the area.
Unfortunately for North Macedonia, the third goal came soon after through an own goal, with Alex Greenwood’s cross being converted by left-back Julija Zivikj.
The second half started in a similar way to the first with England missing clear-cut chances. The Lionesses had to wait until the 66th minute to make the breakthrough with White claiming her second goal from a contentious penalty kick.
The home side only had to wait 10 minutes for their next goal, with substitute Nikita Parris forcing an error out of North Macedonian goalkeeper Rechi. She palmed the ball straight to Chelsea’s England, who happily obliged in tapping the ball in.
Two minutes later, Mead forced another own goal out of the away team with defender Sara Kolarovska unable to get out of the way.
Right before the full-time whistle, England added two more goals through Mead and England combining. Firstly, Mead crossed the ball to England who found space and headed the into the top left corner. The Chelsea forward then returned the favour by finding Mead in the box who drove the ball past Rechi.
The Lionesses impressed with the scoreline, yet disappointed with the lack of clinical finishing. It could’ve been more, records could and maybe should’ve been broken.
England’s next FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia New Zealand 2023 qualifier comes against Luxembourg on Tuesday evening.