Lionesses Dominate Italy in Convincing Friendly Victory
England’s Lionesses put on a dominant display as they secured a convincing victory over Italy in a friendly match held in Spain. The match saw Lauren Hemp shine with a double, while Lotte Wubben-Moy and substitutes Ella Toone and Rachel Daly also found the back of the net. The win marked the end of a successful warm weather training camp for the Lionesses, who will now shift their focus to the upcoming Euro 2025 qualifiers.
Hemp’s Double and Wubben-Moy’s Opener
England wasted no time in taking the lead, with Arsenal defender Lotte Wubben-Moy scoring a header within the first minute. Lauren Hemp then stepped up and scored twice in the first half, putting England in a comfortable position. Italy managed to pull one back just before half-time through Michela Cambiaghi, taking advantage of a defensive error from England. However, it was not enough to halt England’s dominance.
Defensive Errors and Missed Chances
Despite their convincing victory, England did make some defensive errors that presented Italy with good scoring opportunities. Manager Sarina Wiegman will be keen to address these issues moving forward. One such chance came when Mary Earps’ clearance fell straight to Sofia Cantore, who unfortunately dragged her shot wide. Niamh Charles also made a costly back pass that gifted Cambiaghi a chance in the first half. These errors serve as a reminder for England to tighten up their defense.
Attacking Threat and Bright Performances
England once again showcased their attacking threat, with Lauren Hemp leading the charge. Hemp’s two goals were well-deserved, with her first goal coming off a fortunate ricochet and her second a looping header. Lotte Wubben-Moy’s goal, her first for England, was also a testament to England’s attacking prowess. Chloe Kelly and Grace Clinton also made an impact, causing problems for Italy with their deliveries and solid performances in midfield.
Positive Takeaways for England
Overall, the friendly victory against Italy provided England with beneficial preparation for the upcoming Euro 2025 qualifiers. Manager Sarina Wiegman was able to rotate players and provide opportunities to England’s young talents. The match also highlighted areas where the team can improve, particularly in defense and minimizing errors. With the squad in a great place and full of confidence, England will look to carry their momentum into the next games and the qualifiers.
Looking Ahead
The Euro 2025 qualifying draw is set to take place on 5 March at 12:00 GMT. England will be eager to build on their recent successes and continue their strong performances as they aim to secure a spot in the tournament. With a talented squad and a determined manager, the Lionesses are poised for success in their quest for European glory.