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Leah Williamson And grace clinton Scored in the first half for the assist. England 2-1 win lead South Africa In Coventry.
England’s fast start was in contrast to their 4-3 defeat to Germany on Friday, in which they lost three wickets in the first half hour. Williamson’s goal on the occasion of his 50th cap rewarded England for their dominance, before Clinton struck a header to give the Lionesses a two-goal lead before the break.
It was just as good for the hosts, who took their foot off the gas in the second period. Questions have been raised about their defense in recent months and they were unable to keep a clean sheet against the team ranked 50th in the FIFA world rankings as Thembi Kgatlana halved the deficit.
England got back to winning ways but it was not the most comfortable victory as Kgatlana had a goal ruled out for offside and it was later ruled out on several occasions as England held on for victory.
Sarina Wigman Eight changes were made in the match with Germany. georgia stanway Was on the scoresheet twice last week and kept her place alongside Williamson beth mead while the choice of chloe kelly, mary earps And alex greenwood Were called back.
In contrast to Friday’s defeat at Wembley, the Lionesses started on the front foot and were rewarded for a quick start in the 12th minute, courtesy of captain Williamson.
Jess Naz was first to react from a corner and troubled the Arsenal defender, who was able to take the ball out of his feet and stroke it into the bottom corner.
The visitors were almost directly at level – esme morgan Was caught napping deep in her own half and Kgatlana’s initial effort was blocked into the path of Hilda Magaia, who was unable to slot home as Clinton came back from midfield to apply pressure.
England doubled their advantage in the 23rd minute as Maya Le Tissier squared out Manchester United teammate Clinton, who scored with a powerful downward header.
However, Wiegman’s team were not to have it all their way – Kgatlana came in behind the England defense and Williamson was called upon to deal with the danger.
England were punished for a poor start in the second round. Williamson’s loose pass allowed Kgatlana to score and she brilliantly headed it past the Earps to make it 2–1.
The Lionesses were inches away from re-establishing their two-goal cushion as Kelly dodged a couple of defenders and let fly from distance but saw her effort hit the crossbar.
Another mistake from Williamson allowed the dangerous Kgatlana to run free again and he passed to Magaia whose shot was blocked.
Against all odds, South Africa thought they had equalized – once again, Kgatlana got behind the back line and hit beyond the Earps, only for the celebrations to be cut right short due to the assistant referee’s offside flag.
England could not easily handle Kgatlana in the second period and substitutes lucy bronze A few minutes later the Earps had to have a try blocked before being called into action as England held on.
After the match Wigman praised the performances of Clinton and Naz, telling ITV: “It’s what you want to see. It’s different when you start and it’s different when you get on the pitch. Jess (Naz) moved backwards up the pitch. Grace (Clinton) started well. It was in the pocket and it was there to be crucified.”
The England boss was less enthusiastic about the overall performance and cited England’s ‘looseness’ as a matter of concern. He added: “I thought it would be more simple after the first part. We played well in the first half, we had some strong moments.
“We were a bit loose but we created a few chances from corners. We scored a very good goal. We got there in the second half but we were a little loose. They were smart on the counter-attack and it was difficult for us.
“We need to keep trying, keep playing football, keep playing forward. Just at this moment, sensing the change, they literally jumped on us. Just talk about it and move on.