Page 4 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.21 2022-23

England 2 (Daly 32,71)
Italy 1 (Cantore 62)
att: 32,128; at Coventry City F.C.
Rachel Daly scored both goals as a much changed England side made it two wins out of
two with victory over Italy the CBS Arena.
The Aston Villa striker was given a rare opportunity up front and she responded with
a display which must put her firmly in contention for a regular place instead of the retired
Ellen White.
Despite the number of changes, England looked sharp at the start with Daly twice
forcing saves from Laura Giuliani, whilst Jess Park blazed over from the edge of the area.
With Italy trying to hit on the counter attack, England continued to press and opened
the scoring just after the half hour, when Katie Robinson found space to cross and Daly
planted a downward header into the corner of the net.
A series of offside decisions at both ends disrupted the flow of the game ahead of the
break but England went into half time with their one-goal lead intact.
Daly was twice off target with shots after play resumed and Jordan Nobbs, on at half
time, brought out a save from Giuliani. Italy were starting to be a bit more adventurous
though and Ellie Roebuck needed to save an Elena Linari header following a free kick.
Italy’s enterprise brought its reward as Barbara Bonansea crossed form Sofia Cantore
to head in from six yards. England disputed that the ball had gone out of play just before
Bonansea sent in the cross but their protests were ignored and the goal stood.
Sarina Wiegmann responded with a triple substitution and England powered forward
to try and restore their lead. Parity lasted for nine minutes before Lauren James crossed
for Daly to head home her second goal on the day and put England back in front.
This time, England were able to see the game out but were also unable to add to their
lead. Chloe Kelly drilled a shot inches wide late on, and Annamaria Serturini was similarly
just off target at the other end, but there were no other scares as England moved a step
closer towards retaining their trophy.
England: Ellie Roebuck, Maya Le Tissier, Niamh Charles, Keira Walsh (sub Katie
Zelem 45mins), Alex Greenwood (sub Lotte Wubben-Moy 63mins), Jess Carter, Jess
Park (sub Jordan Nobbs 45mins), Laura Coombs, Rachel Daly (sub Ebony Salmon
81mins), Katie Robinson (sub Lauren James 63mins), Lauren Hemp (sub Chloe Kelly
63mins). Subs not used: Mary Earps, Lucy Bronze, Millie Bright, Leah Williamson,
Georgia Stanway, Alessia Russo, Ella Toone, Sandy MacIver.
Italy: Laura Giuliani, Valentina Bergamachi (sub Benedetta Orsi 70mins), Martina
Lenzini, Cecilia Salvai, Lisa Boattin (sub Elena Linari 45mins), Manuela Giugliano,
Aurora Galli (sub Arianna Carusi 55mins), Martina Rosucci (sub Giada Greggi 79mins),
Valentina Giacinti, Cristiana Girelli (sub Sofia Cantore 56mins), Barbara Bonansea
(sub Annamaria Serturini 79mins). Subs not used: Maria Filangeri, Katja
Schroffenegger, Federica Cafferata, Agness Bonfantini, Elisa Polli, Martina Piemonte,
Rachele Baldi, Michela Catena, Emma Severini.

England 6 (Kelly 12,50, Williamson 42,90, Biesmans og 78, Bronze 89)
Belgium 1 (Dhont 90)
att: 26,169; at Bristol City F.C.
England retained the Arnold Clark Cup after an outstanding display saw them sweep aside
Belgium with six goals in front of a noisy crowd at Ashton Gate.
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