The first meeting between these two sides ended up a perfect send off for England’s Lionesses as the stormed past Jamaica, winning 7-0 at the King Power Stadium in Leicester.
A warm summer evening set the scene for this match-up, with Arsenal’s Leah Williamson leading the team out as captain, full of confidence and excitement on the eve of her first major tournament for England since returning from her ACL injury.
Gunners Alessia Russo and Beth Mead also formed part of the starting lineup, with Chloe Kelly, Lotte Wubben-Moy, and Michelle Agyemang on the bench. The scoring was opened early by the Lionesses, with a tenth minute goal scored by Ella Toone.
England looked confident, unified, and hungry to win their last game on home soil before the Euros. In the 21st minute, Jamaica caught the home side sleeping, with a surprise set piece that ended up in the back of the net.
Luckily for the hosts, VAR ruled the goal out, but it was a warning sign either way. A brilliant fullback link up saw Jess Carter deliver a great ball in, which Lucy Bronze headed into the back of the net, doubling England’s lead.
Russo had some excellent attempts on goal from difficult positions but was unable to get her name on the scoresheet in the first half.
Mead continued her high work-rate and had some chances as well. But it was Toone who made it three for England with a goal just before the break.
The Jamaican pace on the counter often looked promising, but England’s defence, led by Williamson were able to deal with the threats. The captain partnered well with Alex Greenwood, both making some great passes and blocks. Alongside the physical and speedy Bronze and Carter, the defence looked solid, a promising performance ahead of next week. The second half saw Russo pick up an assist, as her pass to Georgia Stanway lead to England’s fourth goal.
Shortly after which, manager, Sarina Weigman, made some changes which saw Kelly enter the field alongside Lauren James and Esme Morgan.
England continued their attack, with attempts from Mead and Kelly amongst others. In the 71st minute, Russo finally got her goal, as she headed in an effortless pass from James, 5-0 to the home side.
Williamson’s clever passes continued, and she played in a higher position at times, sending balls into the box to try and create something more for her team. Weigman made another triple change, the rotation that many England fans were hoping to see, Bronze, Russo, and Walsh left the field, replaced by Niamh Charles, Aggie Beever-Jones, and Grace Clinton, a great chance for more players to get some minutes. Jamaica’s goalkeeper, Liya Brooks, was forced into a big save when Beever-Jones struck the ball from six yards out, this was followed by another save on the corner for another Beever-Jones attempt.
However, it was third time lucky for the Chelsea youngster, as she found the back of the net and made it 6-0. After going down with a worrying looking injury in added time, Mead got back to her feet and carried on playing, displaying her tenacity and efforts moments later when she found the back of the net with one touch from Kelly’s assist, giving England their seventh goal in the final minute.
A perfect send off for England as they head to Switzerland for the Euros, a 7-0 victory, six different goalscorers, and players brimming with confidence all over the pitch.
Leave a Reply