[ad_1]
(PA)
England kick off their Arnold Clark Cup defence against South Korea tonight as the Lionesses begin their 2023 campaign with this summer’s World Cup on the horizon.
Sarina Wiegman’s side won the inaugural edition of the four-team Arnold Clark Cup last season, which paved the way for England’s victory at the European Championships during ther summer.
The Lionesses have a new set of opponents this time, with South Korea, Italy and Belgium all involved and England will want to continue their unbeaten run under Wiegman and make the best possible start to their World Cup preparations.
“What we want to take from this tournament is to get ready for 22 July so it’s preparation for the World Cup,” said Wiegman, “We have three games, so that’s lots of opportunities to see players and lots of combinations against good opponents.”
Follow all the action from England’s opening match versus South Korea:
England 3-0 South Korea
53 mins: England are flying now. South Korea’s compact and solid shape from the first half has started to fracture and their are spaces opening up across the pitch.
Georgia Stanway takes the ball forward and hits one from range but goalkeeper Kim Jun-Mi gets safely in behind it.
Michael Jones16 February 2023 21:00
GOAL! England 3-0 South Korea (Russo, 50’)⚽️
50 mins: Already England are moving the ball quicker and look more threatening. This always seems to happen when they have a comfortable lead.
Another one! Lauren James’ deep cross comes over to Alex Greenwood on the left wing. Greenwood shifts the ball around the nearest defender then chips it into the six-yard box.
Alessia Russo lunges at the ball, gets there first and lifts it over the goalkeeper to add a third for England.
Michael Jones16 February 2023 20:56
GOAL! England 2-0 South Korea (Kelly, 46’)⚽️
46 mins: There it is! 16 seconds after the restart Chloe Kelly increases England’s lead. The Lionesses drive down the left wing and play the ball inside.
Kelly takes it up on the edge of the box, lets fly and has her effort deflected over the head of Kim Jung-Mi to double England’s tally.
Michael Jones16 February 2023 20:53
Second half: England 1-0 South Korea
Sarina Wiegman makes a change at the break and introduces Katie Zelem in place of Jess Carter. That’s a more aggressive move and Wiegman will want add to their lead.
Michael Jones16 February 2023 20:51
HT England 1-0 South Korea
Lauren James has been England’s best player in that first half. She’s carried the ball well, passed it brilliantly and wasn’t afraid to shoot.
She won the penalty and linked-up play expertly. It’s only her third international cap.
Michael Jones16 February 2023 20:46
HT England 1-0 South Korea
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Michael Jones16 February 2023 20:42
Half-time: England 1-0 South Korea
45+3 mins: A testing and patient half for England sees them head into the break with a slender lead after a lovely run from Lauren James resulted in a penalty kick that Georgia Stanway blasted home just before half-time.
South Korea set up with a low block to keep England quiet but now they’ll have to change things up if they want to get back into the game in the second half.
Michael Jones16 February 2023 20:34
England 1-0 South Korea
45 mins: There’s going to be three minutes of added time to play at the end of the first half. South Korea have opened up slightly and are pushing more players up the pitch.
It’s nothing drastic but it is a response to going behind.
Michael Jones16 February 2023 20:32
England 1-0 South Korea
43 mins: England look to put the foot down with a sharp move that sees them breeze through the lines and get up the pitch. Russo holds it up before finding James who gives it to Bronze out wide.
Her cross is blocked but the ball bounces out for a corner.
Michael Jones16 February 2023 20:30
GOAL! England 1-0 South Korea (Stanway, 40’)⚽️
40 mins: Pick that one out! Georgia Stanway sends England in front with a powerful strike from the penalty spot!
Michael Jones16 February 2023 20:28
[ad_2]
Source link
