MY ACCOUNT
England boss Sarina Wiegman secured the bragging rights over former side Netherlands with a 5-1 win at Elland Road.
The Oranje went ahead in the 22nd minute when Lieke Martens buried header into the top left corner.
The Lionesses equalised 10 minutes later as Lucy Bronze’s cross-cum-shot nestled into the far corner.
Yet it was the visitors who started the second half the brighter with VAR awarding Mark Parsons’ side a penalty following a mistimed challenge from Alex Greenwood.
But Netherlands captain Sherida Spitse was denied from the spot by England goalkeeper Mary Earps.
Weigman’s side counter-attacked and took the lead 54 seconds later via an acrobatic Beth Mead strike.
The hosts extended their lead when Ella Toone cut inside and let fly from distance before Lauren Hemp produced a terrific lob over Netherlands goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal just two minutes later.
The Lionesses put the game beyond any doubt in the 90th minute as Mead scored her second of the game.
We have picked out five talking points from the Lionesses’ victory in West Yorkshire.
Strength in depth
The Lionesses’ substitutes stole the show in their 3-0 victory over Belgium last week and it was much the same story in tonight’s clash as Wiegman rang the changes.
It took Mead just eight minutes before scoring off the bench to give the Lionesses the lead while substitute Toone scored her 11th goal in just 14 caps to extend the hosts’ advantage.
Mead has been prolific under Wiegman and completed her brace in the dying embers of the game with a neat strike.
England’s second-half display highlights the impressive options that Wiegman possesses ahead of this summer’s European Championship.
Wiegman recently claimed she was close to knowing her starting 11 for the opening game against Austria — yet impressive performances tonight may have thrown a spanner in the works.
Ruthless Lionesses
Claims that England do not score enough goals have dominated conversation ahead of previous tournaments. But there are no concerns in that department this summer.
The Lionesses have scored a staggering 80 goals in just 13 games under Wiegman.
The hosts looked dangerous every time that they went forward, with the amount of bodies that the Lionesses were committing forward noticeable.
Reigning European Champions Netherlands are a resolute outfit under Parsons, yet they proved to be no match for Wiegman’s side as they scored five or more goals for the seventh time under the Dutchwoman.
Mighty Mead
It was a superb showing from Arsenal striker Mead who laid down her marker for a starting spot in the Euros with her brace — and the forward was ecstatic following the victory.
She said: “I am enjoying my football right now, that is showing on the pitch — just glad I can help the team today.
“It is tougher opposition, Netherlands haven’t won a Euros and got to a World Cup final for no reason, so it shows the quality.
“These games are for learning but winning and playing well is the confidence we need heading into the Euros.”
Feeble Netherlands
On paper, the visitors appeared to provide Wiegman’s side with the toughest test of her reign so far. While the Lionesses went behind for the first time under the Dutchwoman.
Yet England’s second goal just moments after the Oranje’s penalty miss took the wind out of Parsons’ side.
The Netherlands struggled to keep hold of the ball in the second half with several of England’s goals their own doing.
The Dutch rear-guard dropped closer to their goal as the game went on and struggled to clear their lines on numerous occasions.
Perfect prep
This was a statement win from the Lionesses who are among the favourites for Euro glory.
England are unbeaten in 13 games under Wiegman and highlighted their quality with a convincing win over the reigning European champions.
A final warm-up game in Zurich against Switzerland awaits the Lionesses as they finalise their plans ahead of the tournament.
There is just under two weeks before their opening game against Austria at Old Trafford.
