England vs South Africa LIVE: Result and reaction as Lionesses clinch narrow win
England 2-1 South Africa: Sarina Wiegman’s side bounced back after a shock defeat to Germany but there are still areas for improvement
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Your support makes all the difference.England responded to their humbling defeat against Germany with a 2-1 victory over South Africa in their second outing of the international break.
Sarina Wiegman made eight changes to the starting line-up and saw a total change in style and composure over the first 45 minutes. In midfield Grace Clinton was a breath of fresh air, tracking back, making runs and taking shots in a blistering performance that proves she is ready for a permanent run in the team.
Leah Williamson, making her 50th appearance for England, banished the demons from Friday night by slotting home the opening goal and send the Lionesses into the lead. It was a cathartic moment for the captain but one that didn’t last.
Clinton’s headed finish sent England into the break with a two-goal cushion but their advantage was halved as mistakes crept into the team. Williamson’s poor pass to Georgia Stanway gave the ball away to Thembi Kgatlana who swept into the box and scored South Africa’s first ever goal against England.
It wasn’t enough though as Wiegman brought on her experienced substitutes to see out the win.
Relive the action with our live blog below:
‘Sloppy’ England squeeze past South Africa but Sarina Wiegman left with cause for concern
Leah Williamson and Grace Clinton scored in the first half to help England edge to a 2-1 victory over South Africa in Coventry.
England’s fast start was in contrast to their 4-3 defeat to Germany on Friday, which saw them three down in the first half-hour. Williamson’s goal on the occasion of her 50th cap gave England reward for their dominance before Clinton slammed home a header to give the Lionesses a two-goal lead heading into the break.
That was as good as it got for the hosts, who took their foot off the gas in the second period. Their defence has been questioned in recent months and they were unable to keep a clean sheet against a side 50th in the FIFA world rankings as Thembi Kgatlana halved the deficit.
‘Sloppy’ England squeeze past South Africa but Wiegman left with concerns
England 2-1 South Africa: Goals from Leah Williamson and Grace Clinton proved enough despite Thembi Kgatlana’s reply
Wiegman addresses counter-attacking issue
England have been opened up repeatedly on the counter-attack in the last two matches and that concern will leave Sarina Wiegman with sleepless nights.
When asked about it she said: “We need to keep trying, keep playing football, keep playing forwards. Just feeling at the moment in transition, they really jumped on us. Just talk about it and move forward.”
Wiegman reacts to England win
Here are some thoughts from England boss Sarina Wiegman. She told ITV: “I thought after the first half it would be more straightforward. We played well in the first half, we had some stronger moments. We were a little too sloppy but we created some chances from corners.
“We scored a very good goal. Second half we got there but we were a little sloppy. They were smart on the counter-attack and it was hard for us.”
USA await
England’s next fixture is against the United States at Wembley on November 30th. Emma Hayes’ side are Olympic champions and are one of the best teams in the world.
This will be the biggest test for the Lionesses in a while and the basic mistakes the players are making will be heavily punished. Work to do in the next month or so.
‘We were sloppy’ says Wiegman
Sarina Wiegman is giving her reaction to the game on ITV. There big thing she’s stressing is how England were ‘sloppy’ in their performance.
Full quotes to come.
Does Clinton think she’ll start at Euro 2025?
Grace Clinton was asked whether she believed she can cement a starting berth at Euro 2025 next summer. She replied: “Everyone wants to play for England, for their country. I want to keep confident and keep getting goals.”
On starting at Euro 2025 being a target: “Yes, definitely.”
Post-match reaction from Grace Clinton
England midfielder Grace Clinton spoke to ITV after the match and said: “It was a tough game, South Africa are a great team. We expected them to be tough and we dealt with their individual qualities.
“It is a good night for me. I’m nice and confident and I’m happy to be there. She [Maya Le Tissier] actually looked up for me and everything. The ball was amazing, it was hard not to finish.
“I think they’re a really tough opposition. Their pace is crazy. We’ll go back and review the game together but it’s positive.”
FT England 2-1 South Africa
No more goals in the second half for England despite bringing on the big guns. They still won the game but there were gaping holes and simple errors abundant in the Lionesses performance.
Lots for Sarina Wiegman to work on.
FT England 2-1 South Africa
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