England’s hopes of qualifying for the Olympic Games in 2024 are hanging in the balance despite recording a 3-2 victory over The Netherlands at Wembley this evening in a UEFA Women’s Nations League fixture.
The Lionesses went 2-0 down at the national stadium before eventually recovering and coming back to win the game 3-2. England ended the night in second place in their group, below The Netherlands, meaning that they need to beat Scotland and hope for a favour from Belgium on Matchday Six.
England started the match brightly and they were close to taking an early lead but Lauren Hemp’s effort flew narrowly wide across goal.
The Lionesses were made to rue that miss as The Netherlands broke the deadlock with their first meaningful chance. Lucy Bronze and Jess Carter got in a tangle and Lineth Beerensteyn fired the ball home from close range.
Jill Roord then saw a dangerous cross cannon off the crossbar before Beerensteyn netted her second goal of the game following an error from Carter. England captain Mary Earps will also feel that she could’ve done better in trying to save the shot.
Chloe Kelly sent a powerful shot narrowly wide of the Dutch goal towards the end of the first half as England were left with a mountain to climb.
The Lionesses finally got going in the second half and Georgia Stanway reduced the arrears with a header from close range. Just a minute later, Hemp found the bottom corner of the Dutch net from 20 yards as England drew themselves level with half an hour left to play.
England pushed for further goals late in the match but Ella Toone saw an effort deflected behind before Alessia Russo dragged a shot wide of goal.
Sarina Wiegman’s side managed to get ahead in second half stoppage time when Toone converted a cross at the back post before Hemp almost scored from close range. The Lionesses pushed hard for a fourth goal which would have taken them top of the group but they failed to get it and they will need to ride their luck in the final round of matches.
England complete their UEFA Women’s Nations League group campaign with a fixture against Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday evening.
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