The Lionesses reinforced their position at the top of the Arnold Clark Cup standings with a 2-1 win over Italy in Coventry.
Rachel Daly headed England in the lead in the first half before Italy equalized in the second half with a controversial goal that didn’t appear to have crossed the line.
But Daly scored another excellent header for England to ensure Sarina Wiegman’s side earn two wins from two and are on course to retain their title on Wednesday when they complete the campaign against Belgium.
Dom Smith was at the Coventry Building Society Arena to rate the England players…
Ellie Roebuck 6
Could have done better with the Italian leveller, but to be fair to her, he might not even have crossed the line.
Maya Le Tissier 6
A crazy effort in the first half. But grew into the contest and had a solid second half.
Jess Carter 6
Didn’t take a wrong foot and was solid throughout. However, he is unlikely to be a starting centre-back at the World Cup.
Alex Greenwood 7
His crosses were not always of the best accuracy but led England well and were a constant attacking threat down England’s left channel.
Niamh Charles 5
Played under pressure a few times when there were options in front of her. Struggled early on, but prevailed in the second half at left-back.
Keira Walsh 6
Generally solid, winning an important midfield header that led to Daly’s first-half goal. She will play a vital role in England’s future.
Laura Combes 6
Nothing to say about his first England international since 2015.
Jesse Park 7
Really tidy in possession. Playing the role of Ella Toone, and did it with confidence
Rachel Daly 8 | star player
Italian keeper Laura Giuliani was tested twice in the early stages before opening the scoring with a neat header from Katie Robinson’s cross. Scored the winner for England in the second half. A real air threat.
Katie Robinson 7
A great outlet down the right flank on his first England start, crossing for the opener when Rachel Daly headed in after 33 minutes. Traded to fellow winger Lauren Hemp for effect.
Lauren Hemp 7
Grew up in the game after a slow start. Will be really important for England in Australia and New Zealand this summer.
Substitutes
Jordan Nobs (Park, 46) 7
Moved to Aston Villa last month in order to get a recall to England. Made the most of his half of football, testing the keeper twice.
Katie Zelem (Walch, 46) 6
Fairly stable on ignition. It is perhaps the latter name that will enter the team in July.
Chloe Kelly (Hemp, 63) 6
Not her usual threat when she came off the bench. Often looks better early in the game.
Lotte Wubben-Moy (Greenwood, 63) 6
Played well enough without dazzling. The feeling is that she lowers the defensive hierarchy rather than raising it.
lauren james (Robinson, 63) 7
Full of racing as it always is. Played a super cross which Daly converted for the goal that ended up being the winner.
Ebony salmon (Daly, 83) N/A
Subs not used: Mary Earps, Sandy MacIver, Lucy Bronze, Millie Bright, Leah Williamson, Georgia Stanway, Alessia Russo, Ella Toone
standard Sport
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