Phil Neville has made clear his desire to shape England into a possession-based side. By this evidence it remains a work in progress. After unspectacular wins over Scotland and Argentina, the Lionesses were faced with their biggest test of the Womens World Cup against Japan in Nice. They passed the test – but, despite the 2-0 scoreline, it was not with flying colours. The first half contained flashes of composure and class, reminders of the technical ability of Nevilles side, and a well crafted and well taken goal by Ellen White. Read more: How brands have embraced womens footballBut with Japan goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita on form, England couldnt push home their advantage and, after weathering severe pressure and relying on some lacklustre Japanese finishing, it was White who raced through to bury her second and send the Lionesses through as Group D winners with a maximum nine points.
Shaky possession
From the kick-off it was clear England wanted to go toe to toe with their familiar foes; Japan were beaten 3-0 in the final of the SheBelieves Cup in March, but crucially beat the Lionesses 2-1 in the 2015 World Cup semi-final. Centre-backs Steph Houghton and Millie Bright were happy to hold the ball and probe for openings, but in truth it was the more direct style into outstanding forward White which worked best at bypassing the hard-working Japanese midfield.
With the 22-year-old Keira Walsh playing the pivot role on her 17th cap at the base of midfield it was a bold style – and one which brought its fair share of mistakes. Had the recalled Karen Bardsley not produced some sharp stops, Englands efforts could easily have been undone. The win came. They top a World Cup group for only the second time. But it was not vintage.
Classy Stanway
Tuesday evening showcased the shining talent of Manchester Citys Phil Foden in action for Englands Under-21s. Tonight was a chance to enjoy another outstanding young playmaker on the clubs books. Georgia Stanway won the PFA Young Player of the Year award this year and her presence in the Lionesses midfield provided a point of difference.
It was her spin, drive, strength and poked through-ball which sent White in for the first goal after 14 minutes and her vision which provided the best moments in the final third throughout. Her inexperience showed at times when taking on inadvisable pot-shots from distance and losing the ball in dangerous areas, but it was a bright showing from the young gun.
Razor-sharp White
Ultimately though it was the assured finishing of White which won it. The 30-year-old striker lead the line tirelessly, holding the ball up superbly and bringing in runners, but it was her instincts on the shoulder of the last defender which brought the goals. Having scored in the opening 2-1 win over Scotland, White was confident and it showed. A deft finish pasRead More – Source
Phil Neville has made clear his desire to shape England into a possession-based side. By this evidence it remains a work in progress. After unspectacular wins over Scotland and Argentina, the Lionesses were faced with their biggest test of the Womens World Cup against Japan in Nice. They passed the test – but, despite the 2-0 scoreline, it was not with flying colours. The first half contained flashes of composure and class, reminders of the technical ability of Nevilles side, and a well crafted and well taken goal by Ellen White. Read more: How brands have embraced womens footballBut with Japan goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita on form, England couldnt push home their advantage and, after weathering severe pressure and relying on some lacklustre Japanese finishing, it was White who raced through to bury her second and send the Lionesses through as Group D winners with a maximum nine points.
Shaky possession
From the kick-off it was clear England wanted to go toe to toe with their familiar foes; Japan were beaten 3-0 in the final of the SheBelieves Cup in March, but crucially beat the Lionesses 2-1 in the 2015 World Cup semi-final. Centre-backs Steph Houghton and Millie Bright were happy to hold the ball and probe for openings, but in truth it was the more direct style into outstanding forward White which worked best at bypassing the hard-working Japanese midfield.
With the 22-year-old Keira Walsh playing the pivot role on her 17th cap at the base of midfield it was a bold style – and one which brought its fair share of mistakes. Had the recalled Karen Bardsley not produced some sharp stops, Englands efforts could easily have been undone. The win came. They top a World Cup group for only the second time. But it was not vintage.
Classy Stanway
Tuesday evening showcased the shining talent of Manchester Citys Phil Foden in action for Englands Under-21s. Tonight was a chance to enjoy another outstanding young playmaker on the clubs books. Georgia Stanway won the PFA Young Player of the Year award this year and her presence in the Lionesses midfield provided a point of difference.
It was her spin, drive, strength and poked through-ball which sent White in for the first goal after 14 minutes and her vision which provided the best moments in the final third throughout. Her inexperience showed at times when taking on inadvisable pot-shots from distance and losing the ball in dangerous areas, but it was a bright showing from the young gun.
Razor-sharp White
Ultimately though it was the assured finishing of White which won it. The 30-year-old striker lead the line tirelessly, holding the ball up superbly and bringing in runners, but it was her instincts on the shoulder of the last defender which brought the goals. Having scored in the opening 2-1 win over Scotland, White was confident and it showed. A deft finish pasRead More – Source
