On Tuesday night, England played a friendly match against Italy at the Nuevo Mirador Stadium in Spain, winning comfortably 5-1.

Sarina Wiegman shook things up once again with her starting 11, talking about this international break, she said: “We had the opportunity to play many players – basically everyone except for Fran Kirby – see what the level is, see players in some positions and see the connection between players.”

Kiera Walsh stepped into the role of captain in Leah Williamson’s absence, Lotte Wubben-Moy made her first start for England and Grace Clinton returned to the line-up after her debut last week.

Wiegman said prior to the match that she expected Italy to come out and press the English team but less than two minutes after kick-off the Italian team were penalised for their failure to do this.

Wubben-Moy got on the end of Greenwood’s corner kick to header the ball into the net for her first ever goal for her national team.

She was later voted as the Player of the Match due to her impressive defensive performance and giving the Lionesses that all-important early lead.

England was relentless in the first half, putting the pressure on higher up the pitch and playing predominantly in Italy’s half.

It didn’t take long for Hemp to double their lead, claiming a goal 21 minutes in, with a shot on goal that rebounded off of Galli who mistimed her clearance.

Another goal came from the midfielder just 11 minutes after, when a brilliant ball in from Stanway found Hemp who nodded it in.

Italy was not clinical enough in the majority of the first half, but in the final minute of added time they scored, winning the ball in midfield and carrying it up the pitch.

Catena sent a ball in and timed it perfectly for Cambiaghi to slide it past Earps, ending the first half 3-1.

Second half

There was multiple substitutions in the second half with two of them paying off immediately for England, after James found Toone just five minutes after the pair came on and the midfielder found the back of the net in the 69th minute.

Toone’s Manchester United teammate, Millie Turner, made her England debut in this round of substitutions, replacing Greenwood in the back line.

Italy had a much better second half defensively, but in the 79th minute, Giuliani came out from her box to pick up defensive duties.

The AC Milan keeper mistimed her tackle, allowing Daly to nudge the ball around her and continue her run, scoring the final goal of the match.

This international break was an encouraging one for England fans ahead of the Euros qualifier draw next Tuesday.

With a 5-1 win against Italy and their 7-2 victory against Austria last week, they will be confident going into their vital next match.

 

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By Abby Rampling-Mott

Trainee multimedia journalist based in Preston. Abby is also a co-host on the LG Women's Football podcast.