England's Lionesses kicked off their Arnold Clark Cup title defence with a 4-0 win over Korea Republic in what can only be described as a party atmosphere at Stadium MK.
It was a homecoming welcome for captain Leah Williamson as she returned to her beloved Milton Keynes in front of 21,030 fans as she lead her team to victory in their first match of 2023.
With Korea Republic the second-highest FIFA-ranked side in the tournament after England, a good battle was expected for the second game of the tournament.
As S J Lim got treatment within the first five minutes and the visitors were down to ten players, Korea Republic still managed to get their first chance of the night but was saved by Mary Earps.
With Keira Walsh out of the squad with a stomach bug, the Lionesses were missing a key piece of their midfield from their Euros 2022 win.
England dominated possession in the first half forcing J M Kim into some big saves and it was a frustrating first 15 minutes with opportunity after opportunity - but they just couldn't get the ball in the net.
Lauren James showed why there have been constant calls for her to be a regular starter from the first whistle with some incredible attempts on goal and she was unlucky not to score in the first 20 minutes.
It was Georgia Stanway who fired home England's first goal of the tournament from the penalty spot in the 40th minute and the strong half continued for the Lionesses but they were stopped from getting one more before the break after some excellent play and dominating the field.
Katie Zelem replaced Jess Carter for the second half, and just 30 seconds in, Chloe Kelly doubled England's advantage with a deflected strike from the edge of the box.
It wasn't long before England got their third of the night through Alessia Russo with a great finish to get herself on the scoresheet in the 50th minute.
Throughout the entire game, James put on absolutely outstanding display going in for the ball and refusing to be taken down to get her chances.
England's chances continued with Kelly going close again in the 60th minute but eventually, the star of the Lionesses show got the goal that her performance deserved as James scored ten minutes before the end.
Korea Republic had moments of reminding England that they were still in the game, but it was clear from the first goal that England were going to eventually dominate the match.
Overall, it was an emphatic and brilliant display from the England team at the start of their Arnold Clark Cup title defence that will see them go into their second match on Sunday with heaps of confidence.
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