ENGLAND PLAYER RATINGS: Alessia Russo adds to her impressive international record, Grace Clinton enjoys a debut to remember… as Georgia Stanway runs the show

England put their Olympic disappointment behind them as they defeated Austria 7-2 in the first of two friendlies in Marbella.

Sarina Wiegman opted for some experimentation, with Grace Clinton making her debut while Maya Le Tissier and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton earned only their third cap.

The Lionesses are playing friendlies after failing to qualify for the Nations League knockouts, the qualifying route for this summer’s Olympic Games.

Friday’s match against Austria and Tuesday’s friendly against Italy therefore serve as preparation for their European Championship 2025 qualifiers, which start in April.

It was a pleasant evening for Wiegman, whose side sealed an emphatic victory thanks to a brace from Alessia Russo and strikes from Clinton, Beth Mead, Jess Carter and Rachel Daly.

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Hannah Hampton-6.5 – Only a third cap for the Chelsea goalkeeper, but she spent much of the night watching her teammates. Looked composed playing from the back when needed. Couldn’t do much about the goals she conceded.

Maya Le Tissier-7 – Impressed at right-back despite mostly playing in the center of defense for Manchester United. Made some important tackles and looked comfortable in possession. Almost scored a great header.

Esme Morgan – 6.5 – Looked comfortable alongside both Greenwood and Wubben-Moy, who came on at half-time but will be disappointed to be beaten at the back post for the second goal.

Alex Greenwood – 6.5 – Led from the side and led from the back but had very little defense to do before being rested when replaced by Wubben-Moy at half-time.

Niamh Charles – 6.5 – Probably would have liked to have been more involved in England’s attacks but kept her positioning well in a disciplined display from the Chelsea full-back.

Georgia Stanway-9 – Ran the show in the No. 6 role, breaking through the Austrian lines with clever passing and linking up well with Clinton. Also disciplined with her positioning and made some crucial tackles. Was given the captain’s armband when Greenwood left at half-time.

Grace Clinton – 8.5 – An unforgettable debut for the midfielder, who felt at home on the international stage. Confident and composed on the ball with some courageous challenges. She almost scored a sensational goal in the first half, but got her moment when she headed in Hemp’s cross shortly afterwards.

Ella Toone – 6.5 – A late call-up to the team after Fran Kirby dropped out with an injury. Looked busy in the number 10 role but probably would have liked to see more of the ball. I tried to make things happen when the game slowed down in the second half.

Beth Mead-8.5 – Threatening all night and with a sensational left-footed goal making the score 3-1 in the first half. Scored her second when she fired in the rebound after Lauren James’ shot was parried.

Lauren Hemp – 7.5 – Stood behind the Austrian defense several times. Got a brilliant assist for Clinton’s goal and played a role in Mead’s. Right back Katharina Schiechtl was undoubtedly happy to see her leave at half-time.

Alessia Russo – 8.5 – Got England going with a poacher’s finish in less than three minutes and then finished a brilliant second before being taken off the field. An enjoyable evening for England’s number 9.

SUBS:

Lotte Wubben-Moy (for Greenwood 45) – 7

Lauren James (for hemp 45) – 7

Jess Park (for Clinton 63) – 6

Jess Carter (for Charles) – 7

Rachel Daly (for Russo) – 7