England impressed once again at Wembley last night with the Lionesses recording a 2-1 victory over reigning world champions, the United States.
Lauren Hemp fired Sarina Wiegman’s side into an early lead before Sophia Smith capitalised on some sloppy England play to level matters. Georgia Stanway then slotted away the hosts’ second goal from the penalty spot before the two sides battled out a goalless second half.
The victory kept head coach Wiegman’s unbeaten start as England boss rolling on whilst offering further hope that the Lionesses can go on and win that first world title in Australia and New Zealand next year. Some areas for improvement were highlighted with England being exposed on a couple of occasions but the general feeling is that the Lionesses are on the right track for further success.
How did the Lionesses rate against the current world champions last night? FAWSL Full-Time have reviewed the players’ performances and have rated each one in-turn.
England Player Ratings
Mary Earps: 7/10 – Had no chance with the United States’ goal, made a few routine saves and commanded her box well.
Rachel Daly: 6/10 – Caught going forward on a few occasions. Some loose passes could have proved more costly but excellent tackle to deny Trinity Rodman in a one-on-one chance.
Alex Greenwood: 8/10 – Strong display, confident carrying the ball forward and stepping in to intercept passes.
Millie Bright (c): 7/10 – Played a risky pass into Stanway, who subsequently got dispossessed for the equaliser. Struggled to deal with the pace of the United States forwards when left exposed but otherwise another strong performance.
Lucy Bronze: 8/10 – Won the penalty for England’s second goal. Strong defensive display and raced forward when the opportunities arose.
Keira Walsh: 8/10 – Calm presence in her deep lying midfield role, occasionally moving forward to keep attacks going. Not fazed by the visitors’ high press.
Georgia Stanway: 7/10 – Usual energetic self in midfield with some bursting runs forward but dispossessed for the United States’ equaliser. Made amends by dispatching the penalty to make it 2-1, big chance to make it three but blazed her shot wide.
Fran Kirby: 6/10 – Roamed in-between the lines, hard-working display but failed to make a big impact.
Beth Mead: 7/10 – Set up the opening goal for Hemp. Combined well with Bronze down the right.
Lauren Hemp: 8/10 – Started up-front and impressed, with pace causing problems. Scored opening goal with a simple finish.
Chloe Kelly: 7/10 – Pressed hard, curled one shot wide when well-placed. Good job helping Daly to contain United States’ dangerous forward play.
Substitutes
Ella Toone: 5/10 – Busy but made little impact on the game
Lauren James: N/A – Brought on late in the game
By Ciaran Morrison