England 6-1 Belgium: Lionesses retain Arnold Clark Cup with win over Belgium

England have efficiently defended the Arnold Clark Cup after a thumping victory over Belgium made it three wins from three video games within the event.

The acquainted picture of captain Leah Williamson lifting a trophy afterwards – her third in 12 months – was met by large cheers, adopted by a refrain of ‘Sweet Caroline’ which grew to become synonymous with their Euro 2022 triumph.

Williamson had an pleasing night, getting on the scoresheet twice, as England dominated from the outset and brushed Belgium apart.

Manchester City winger Chloe Kelly, who scored the successful aim within the Euro 2022 ultimate, additionally netted twice to complete because the event’s high scorer.

In a busy ending, Lucy Bronze poked in Rachel Daly’s knockdown and former Bristol City midfielder Julie Biesmans diverted into her personal internet so as to add to England’s tally, whereas Elena Dhont’s very good curling strike for Belgium prevented a clear sheet for Mary Earps.

England’s preparations for the Women’s World Cup proceed to go easily. With simply 5 months to go till the event kicks off in Australia and New Zealand, the Lionesses have maintained successful momentum and are nonetheless but to lose underneath supervisor Sarina Wiegman.

They conceded simply two objectives on the Arnold Clark Cup, the opposite in a narrow 2-1 win over Italy, who completed third behind Belgium and forward of South Korea.

England entertain as wingers trigger havoc

Wiegman needed to make use of this event to experiment with personnel and she or he made 18 adjustments to the beginning XI throughout the three matches, however it made no distinction to the result.

England, ranked fourth on the earth, have been heavy favourites in opposition to lower-ranked opposition and confirmed their superiority from the primary whistle in opposition to Belgium.

Knowing they wanted solely a degree to win the event for a second 12 months working, they acquired off to the right begin when Lauren James’ harmful run deflected fortuitously for Kelly to tap-in on the goalline within the twelfth minute.

James, who was rightly awarded participant of the event, was a continuing menace and Belgium couldn’t deal with her creativity, directness and intelligent motion.

Kelly was equally as harmful on the opposite aspect, reducing inside and drawing saves from goalkeeper Nicky Evrard, who had a busy night time in chilly Bristol.

Chelsea defender Millie Bright, who completed high scorer ultimately 12 months’s event, had an opportunity to make it 2-0 within the first half when she headed over from a nook, whereas Alessia Russo spurned second-half alternatives for the hosts.

The ultimate minutes have been frantic as Dhont’s comfort strike was sandwiched between Bronze’s aim and Williamson’s second to spherical off an pleasing encounter.

The Lionesses entertained all through with their attacking high quality on show, and have confirmed their standing as one of many world’s most harmful sides.