England vs Italy LIVE: Arnold Clark Cup result and final score as Rachel Daly goals seal win for Lionesses
England 2-1 Italy: Daly seized her chance after being selected up front and restored England’s lead following a controversial second-half equaliser
England made it two wins out of two at the Arnold Clark Cup as Rachel Daly’s double defeated Italy in Coventry.
The Lionesses made nine changes as Sarina Wiegman named an experimental side but Daly shone after being selected up front.
The Aston Villa striker, who played at left back in the Euros last summer, scored a header in each half as England followed up on their 4-0 opening win over South Korea.
Italy scored a controversial equaliser on 70 minutes after the ball seemed to go out of play before Sofia Cantore headed past Ellie Roebuck, but Daly restored England’s lead when she met Lauren James’ cross and powered a sensational header into the far corner.
England will face Belgium in their final match of the tournament on Wednesday, with the Lionesses in a commanding position as they look to retain the Arnold Clark Cup.
FULL TIME! England 2-1 Italy
Well that was a very good afternoon for Sarina Wiegman and the Lionesses. The England manager made nine changes but her side were still able to comfortably defeat Italy and make it two wins out of two at the Arnold Clark Cup.
That said, Italy gave England a brief scare after scoring a controversial equaliser, as the ball seemed to go out of play, but Daly scored her second header of the match - a brilliant flick at the front post to guide Lauren James’ cross into the far corner.
There will be a lot of positives to take for Wiegman - but above all this was a real statement of England’s depth.
FULL TIME! England 2-1 Italy
Rachel Daly twice headed home to inspire England to a 2-1 victory over Italy in their second Arnold Clark Cup contest and extend the Lionesses’ unbeaten run to 28 games.
England initially struggled to settle after Sarina Wiegman made nine changes to the side that beat South Korea, including a first start for Katie Robinson, who set up her side’s first goal.
Italy responded through Sofia Cantore after the restart before Daly – in another successful audition for the England number nine role – netted the winner.
The 32,128-strong crowd broke a Coventry Building Society Arena attendance record for a major sporting event in the stadium, previously set in a rugby union meeting between Wasps and Leicester.
Report by Rachel Steinberg.
Rachel Daly’s double earns England victory over Italy in Arnold Clark Cup
England 2-1 Italy: A Daly header in either half earned the hosts a narrow victory and made it two wins out of two for the Lionessesin the Arnold Clark Cup
FULL TIME! England 2-1 Italy
Sarina Wiegman tells ITV: “I’m very happy with the game. We played very well in the first half, the second half started well but we had a little period when we had a hard time.
“At the end of the game, we were struggling to get out of their first press. We need to play a little longer. The substitutes come in but connections change with that.
“In the end, a good win and we’re happy.”
On Rachel Daly: “It’s not a future position for Daly because she plays there now. Sometimes she plays there for us, we have so many options and Daly is definitely one for us.
“We want to try out different combinations and that’s what we are doing over this competition. Players are giving us some headaches.”
FULL TIME! England 2-1 Italy
Rachel Daly, speaking to ITV on England’s 2-1 win over Italy: “There were spells where we were under pressure but we stayed patient. We were disappointed with the goal we conceded but we stuck to the game plan. There were a lot of great performances from the team today.”
On starting up front and her two goals: “I think I’m pretty good in the air. It helps when you play all over the place, in different positions. It’s about being in the right place at the right time and it was a great ball from LJ on the second and Robinson on the first one.”
On England making nine changes: “That’s what comes with the depth in the squad. There are some unbelievable players in this team and anyone can come in at any moment. There were some brilliant performances today and the other night. The competition is so healthy and something we all thrive in.”
FULL TIME! England 2-1 Italy
And of course, it extends England’s unbeaten run under Wiegman to 28 matches. Belgium vs South Korea is the second match of the day in Coventry, which will determine what result England would need on the final day. The Lionesses are in a very strong position though.
England 2-1 Italy
90+2 mins: Chance for Italy! Le Tissier’s slip allows Serturini a chance to run at goal, but the Italy substitute slashes wide! Wubben-Moy was covering but that was an opportunity.
England 2-1 Italy
90 mins: There will be five minutes added on - Kelly snatches at a half volley after James turned to drive forward.
England 2-1 Italy
89 mins: Rachel Daly is named player of the match - no surprises there.
England 2-1 Italy
88 mins: Italy conceded late on in their opening match against Belgium - can they score late on to deny England here?
It doesn’t look likely, but Wubben-Moy does very well to come across and cut out a potential attack.
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