England respond to Sarina Wiegman demands as Lionesses beat Northern Ireland to set new record
More Lionesses samba football and a sweet waltz in Wednesday's quarter-final as England beat Northern Ireland at five. No team has ever scored more goals in a single European Championship group stage - men's or women's. Well, Sarina Wiegman said she wanted "pace" when she named an unchanged team.
Fran Kirby scored the goal her player of the match performance deserved, Beth Mead took her Golden Boot tally to five for the tournament and substitute Alessia Russo kept Ellen White on her toes by grabbing a brace in the second half. Who else could ask?
Unfortunately, a positive Covid test deprived the England manager of the chance to see him live. But another entertaining display from his team was just the tonic for tougher tests to come. With assistant Arjan Veurink in charge, the team took a bit of time to get going, although things could have been different if a penalty hadn't been overturned by VAR for a handball in the build-up. p>
In truth, England's finish was not as clinical as it had been on Monday at the Amex Stadium and Northern Ireland keeper Jackie Burns lived up to most of it. A one-on-one effort from Ellen White went inches wide, as did a powerful header from Lucy Bronze from a set piece.
Then, when Burns was beaten by a Stanway shot on goal, Rebecca Holloway was perfectly placed to clear the line. Northern Ireland's luck ran out just before the break, however, when in a moment of thoughtful brilliance, Fran Kirby stopped to choose the top corner with her 18-yard shot and Burns was unable to approach it.
Lesson learned, four minutes later Mead took the extra touch before slipping an equally devastating left-footed shot into the bottom corner to double the lead. Game under control, Wiegman telephoned his instructions to his staff and half-time changes were made.
Immediately, good work from Mead gave Russo a free header and the substitute nodded in England's third goal. A lightning turn from the Manchester United striker gave her the chance to score her second a few minutes later.
Northern Ireland, who should be celebrating their first tournament for their early resilience, were simply out of breath. Kelsie Burrows, only as a substitute, swung a tired leg over Mead's cross to concede a fifth own goal.
A soft punch from Burns landed at Mead's feet, but for once she missed the mark. Russo missed two glaring late chances to complete his hat trick. It may not have been Norway's level, but by keeping pace, England are moving forward.
NORTHERN IRELAND (4-4-2): Burns 7; McKenna 6, Nelson 7 (Hutton 87), Robson 7, Vance 6; Rafferty 7 (Burrows 66, 6), Callaghan 7 (Wilson 87), Furness 6 (Caldwell 80), Holloway 7 (Magill 66, 6); Wade 7, McGuinness.
ENGLAND (4-2-3-1): Earps 7; Bronze 7 (Carter 74), Bright 7 (Greenwood ht, 7), Williamson 7, Daly 7; Stanway 7 (Toone ht, 6), Walsh 7; Mead 8, Kirby 9, Hemp 7 (Kelly 60, 6); White 6 (Russo ht, 8).
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Fran Kirby - continued to find new angles.
REFEREE: Esther Staubil (Switzerland) 6
More Lionesses samba football and a sweet waltz in Wednesday's quarter-final as England beat Northern Ireland at five. No team has ever scored more goals in a single European Championship group stage - men's or women's. Well, Sarina Wiegman said she wanted "pace" when she named an unchanged team.
Fran Kirby scored the goal her player of the match performance deserved, Beth Mead took her Golden Boot tally to five for the tournament and substitute Alessia Russo kept Ellen White on her toes by grabbing a brace in the second half. Who else could ask?
Unfortunately, a positive Covid test deprived the England manager of the chance to see him live. But another entertaining display from his team was just the tonic for tougher tests to come. With assistant Arjan Veurink in charge, the team took a bit of time to get going, although things could have been different if a penalty hadn't been overturned by VAR for a handball in the build-up. p>
In truth, England's finish was not as clinical as it had been on Monday at the Amex Stadium and Northern Ireland keeper Jackie Burns lived up to most of it. A one-on-one effort from Ellen White went inches wide, as did a powerful header from Lucy Bronze from a set piece.
Then, when Burns was beaten by a Stanway shot on goal, Rebecca Holloway was perfectly placed to clear the line. Northern Ireland's luck ran out just before the break, however, when in a moment of thoughtful brilliance, Fran Kirby stopped to choose the top corner with her 18-yard shot and Burns was unable to approach it.
Lesson learned, four minutes later Mead took the extra touch before slipping an equally devastating left-footed shot into the bottom corner to double the lead. Game under control, Wiegman telephoned his instructions to his staff and half-time changes were made.
Immediately, good work from Mead gave Russo a free header and the substitute nodded in England's third goal. A lightning turn from the Manchester United striker gave her the chance to score her second a few minutes later.
Northern Ireland, who should be celebrating their first tournament for their early resilience, were simply out of breath. Kelsie Burrows, only as a substitute, swung a tired leg over Mead's cross to concede a fifth own goal.
A soft punch from Burns landed at Mead's feet, but for once she missed the mark. Russo missed two glaring late chances to complete his hat trick. It may not have been Norway's level, but by keeping pace, England are moving forward.
NORTHERN IRELAND (4-4-2): Burns 7; McKenna 6, Nelson 7 (Hutton 87), Robson 7, Vance 6; Rafferty 7 (Burrows 66, 6), Callaghan 7 (Wilson 87), Furness 6 (Caldwell 80), Holloway 7 (Magill 66, 6); Wade 7, McGuinness.
ENGLAND (4-2-3-1): Earps 7; Bronze 7 (Carter 74), Bright 7 (Greenwood ht, 7), Williamson 7, Daly 7; Stanway 7 (Toone ht, 6), Walsh 7; Mead 8, Kirby 9, Hemp 7 (Kelly 60, 6); White 6 (Russo ht, 8).
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Fran Kirby - continued to find new angles.
REFEREE: Esther Staubil (Switzerland) 6
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