>
England 4-0 Japan: Jess Park scores TWO minutes into her Lionesses debut to help Sarina Wiegman’s side extend their unbeaten streak to 25 games after previous goals from Rachel Daly, Chloe Kelly and Ella Toone
England extended their unbeaten run under Sarina Wiegman to 25 games, despite a number of injuries as goals from Rachel Daly, Chloe Kelly and Ella Toone secured a 3-0 win over Japan.
The Lionesses missed key players in Leah Williamson, Lucy Bronze, Lauren Hemp, Fran Kirby and Alex Greenwood, but showed no ill effects with a dominant display at the Pinatar Arena.
That Wiegman’s side can do without that wealth of experience is exactly why they are European champions. Youngsters Esme Morgan and Niamh Charles got starts on defense and both honed their reputations with confident and confident performances.
Sarina Wiegman’s side took a 4-0 win against Japan in their international friendly match
Rachel Daly found the back of the net for England’s opening goal of the international friendly
Chloe Kelly added to England shortly after halftime on Friday night
Mary Earps was rarely bothered by England’s goal, with Japan getting only three shots on target, all of which were easily saved.
Those who might have expected a warm temperature on Spain’s southeast coast were instead faced with a strong whirlwind in the unsheltered 3,000-seat stadium.
It took both teams some time to adjust to the conditions, but it was England that dominated the first half with 65 percent possession and the best chances to open the score.
Alessia Russo hit the post with a header from a cross from Chloe Kelly before Beth Mead knocked over an attempt from close range by Japanese goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita. But England pressure told the tale in the 38th minute as Daly broke the deadlock with a left-footed finish at the far post.
Jess Park scored within two minutes of coming on for her debut to finish the game
Esme Morgan and Niamh Charles made their full debut in England on Friday night
The introduction of Lauren James and Ebony Salmon only gave England an extra spring in the attacking third and the two subs combined for the third goal.
James drove forward at high speed and her pass found Salmon, who slipped Toone on the overlap to finish smartly at the back post.
In the closing stages of the game, Park, who was a late call-up for the team after Jordan Nobbs was injured, made the international debut. After 79 seconds she had her first England.
Salmon escaped on the right and sent a cross into the penalty area, which Park controlled before tapping into the back of the net.
Wiegman’s team will play their last game of 2022 against Norway on Tuesday.
More to follow…