England 5-1 Netherlands: Lionesses impress as they come from behind to beat Dutch

England got here from behind for the primary time underneath supervisor Sarina Wiegman to register a formidable victory over European champions the Netherlands.

The Dutch led by way of Lieke Martens’ header earlier than Lucy Bronze equalised to make it 1-1 at half-time.

Mead then struck moments after Dutch captain Sherida Spitse hit the put up from the penalty spot, earlier than Toone and Lauren Hemp doubled England’s tally within the area of two minutes.

Arsenal winger Mead added a fifth purpose late on to verify a powerful victory in an announcement efficiency from the Lionesses in Leeds.

England’s victory, performed in entrance of a vibrant crowd at Elland Road, prolonged their unbeaten run underneath supervisor Wiegman after she joined from the Netherlands in September.

They have only one pleasant remaining – towards Switzerland on 30 June – earlier than opening the house Euros at Old Trafford towards Austria on 6 July.

It was an entertaining match all through as England have been pressed intensely by the guests within the first half and located themselves trailing when Martens’ well-timed header caught out Mary Earps on a nook.

Bronze then looped a cross – supposed for Beth England – contained in the far put up to make sure the groups have been degree on the break.

The Netherlands have been awarded a penalty following a VAR overview when Alex Greenwood introduced down ex-Arsenal midfielder Danielle van de Donk however Spitse, making her 2 hundredth look, struck the put up.

Within seconds, England went up the opposite finish and Hemp curled it into the trail for substitute Mead to direct dwelling.

The crowd have been on their toes and momentum was with England as they pushed to lengthen their benefit – Toone finally curling in a 3rd, earlier than Hemp pounced on a rebound off the put up to hearth in a fourth.

It was a style of the thrilling soccer England are able to producing on the Euros and the supporters who chanted “we would like 5” after Hemp’s purpose got what they requested for when Mead fired in one other within the dying moments.

Those leaving Elland Road will little doubt have come away feeling much more anticipation for the primary sport which is simply 12 days away.

England ship towards ‘largest check’

Wiegman, who led the Netherlands to the European title on dwelling soil in 2017, stated they could be England’s largest check of their friendlies earlier than the match.

They proved to be exhausting to comprise within the first half as Lineth Beerensteyn got here shut on two events and Martens was harmful on the left.

But England bounced again properly after Martens had given the guests a Twenty second-minute lead and went up one other gear within the second half.

Toone and Mead have been explosive and dynamic when they got here on, striker Alessia Russo was continuously on the transfer contained in the penalty space and Hemp’s deliveries from the left have been pin-point.

There was a celebration environment at full-time as 19,365 followers celebrated with a rendition of ‘Sweet Caroline’, the waving flags and scarves a style of what might come this summer time.

More to observe.