Chloe Kelly marked her first England appearance in 14 months with a goal as the Lionesses defeated Belgium 3-0 at Molineux this evening in an international friendly.
The Manchester City forward came on for the second half and she capped-off a lively performance with a goal. Rachel Daly and Leah Williamson were also on target for the Lionesses, although the latter’s effort will go down as an own goal.
England had plenty of the ball and created a number of chances in a goalless first half in Wolverhampton but they were so often lacking a clinical finish. Ellen White’s point blank effort was pushed to safety by Belgian keeper Nicky Evrard before Lauren Hemp really should have scored after finding herself in space in the box. Evrard then saved a Beth Mead effort before Belgian defender Sari Kees’ goal-line clearance denied England captain Williamson the opening goal.
Keira Walsh thumped a shot straight at Evrard from distance early in the second half before Georgia Stanway sent an effort narrowly wide.
England finally broke the deadlock just after the hour through substitute Kelly. The forward drilled an effort at goal which deflected into the net via the leg of Belgian defender Amber Tysiak. The Lionesses were soon two goals to the good when Daly lashed the ball home after Belgium had failed to clear the danger from a corner kick.
Despite being 2-0 up, Sarina Wiegman’s side kept pushing for a third goal and they got it seven minutes from time when Williamson’s effort thumped the bar before going into the net off the head of the unfortunate Belgian keeper Evrard.
England will now continue their preparations for the home EUROs back on the training pitch before they return to action with an international friendly against The Netherlands at Elland Road in Leeds next Friday night.
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