England have suffered a first defeat under Sarina Wiegman with the Lionesses going down 2-0 to Australia in an Alzheimer’s Society International at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford this evening.
Leah Williamson’s error handed Sam Kerr the opening goal in the first half before Charlotte Grant’s deflected effort in the second half made sure of the victory for the CommBank Matildas.
The first half was played out in difficult conditions with the Gtech Community Stadium pitch being left in a heavy state following a period of continuous rain.
England’s best chances came from forward Alessia Russo who twice got on the end of crosses but failed to severely trouble Mackenzie Arnold in the Australian goal.
The deadlock was broken in the 32nd minute when Williamson attempted a risky header back to goalkeeper Mary Earps and Kerr nipped in to lift the ball into the back of the England net.
The Lionesses struggled to respond in the remainder of the first half, Lauren James’ wayward effort being their only shot on goal before the interval.
Both sides had chances to add to the scoreline early in the second half. First, Kerr prodded a shot wide of goal after receiving a neat pass from the left before James’ cross was almost put into her own net by Australian defender Clare Hunt. James went close again moments later but her effort was pushed to safety by Arnold.
Australia established a two-goal lead midway through the half courtesy of a Grant header. England’s marking was questionable and the wing-back was able to plant her header into the net via a deflection off Williamson.
The Lionesses tried to get back into the game and Rachel Daly sent a header narrowly wide before Georgia Stanway flashed a shot the wrong side of the post. In the end, it wasn’t to be for the Lionesses as their 30-game unbeaten streak under Wiegman came to an end.
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