England captain Leah Williamson expressed her confidence before the shootout against Brazil in the inaugural women’s Finalissima trophy, which the Lionesses eventually won 4-2 after a 1-1 draw. The Manchester City forward Chloe Kelly calmly slotted home the hosts’ fifth penalty in front of 83,132 fans at Wembley, another significant moment for her in an England shirt after scoring the extra-time winner against Germany in Euro 2022.
Williamson praised the team’s readiness to take responsibility, and the execution of their spot-kicks was perfect. She acknowledged Brazil’s dominance of the second half, noting that England had been complacent and not good on the ball. Kelly said she was excited for the penalty and looked the keeper in the eye, confident that she would score.
Mary Earps, Manchester United goalkeeper, had mixed emotions after fumbling the ball for Brazil’s equaliser before making a crucial save in the shootout. She said she was relieved and felt lucky to do what she loves, despite having wobbles like this. The Finalissima victory gave England their second trophy of 2023, following their success in the Arnold Clark Cup.
The team now faces a friendly against Australia at Brentford next Tuesday, before attention turns to the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in July and August. Kelly said they are building momentum and will keep moving forward, while Williamson noted that the team is made up of great people and staff who are ready for July.
England captain Leah Williamson was confident before the shootout against Brazil in the inaugural women’s Finalissima trophy, which the Lionesses eventually won 4-2 after a 1-1 draw. Manchester City forward Chloe Kelly calmly slotted home the hosts’ fifth penalty in front of 83,132 fans at Wembley, another significant moment for her in an England shirt after scoring the extra-time winner against Germany in Euro 2022.
Williamson praised the team’s readiness to take responsibility and their perfect execution of their spot-kicks. She acknowledged Brazil’s dominance of the second half, noting that England had been complacent and not good on the ball. Kelly said she was excited for the penalty and looked the keeper in the eye, confident that she would score.
Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps had mixed emotions after fumbling the ball for Brazil’s equaliser before making a crucial save in the shootout. She said she was relieved and felt lucky to do what she loves, despite having wobbles like this. The Finalissima victory gave England their second trophy of 2023, following their success in the Arnold Clark Cup.
The team now faces a friendly against Australia at Brentford next Tuesday, before attention turns to the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in July and August. Kelly said they are building momentum and will keep moving forward, while Williamson noted that the team is made up of great people and staff who are ready for July. With their confidence and determination, England are sure to make an impact at the World Cup and continue to make history.