England Women boss Sarina Wiegman had called for her side to be more “ruthless” in front of goal against Germany - and in the end she got her wish.
Before this Arnold Clark Cup finale with Germany, the Lionesses had to deal with accusations that they were toothless in front of goal.
One goal in their opening two games had led to that, but they clicked into gear to win 3-1, lift the trophy and beat Germany on home soil for the first time in their history.
For so long it looked as though it wouldn’t end that way, with Germany proving stubborn in defence and England’s final ball lacking.
Ellen White had put Wiegman’s side ahead early on, but Germany hit back through Lina Magull before half-time.
England hunted for a winner after that and they finally got the goals they’ve craved in the final stages as first Millie Bright and then Fran Kirby found the net.
Long before that it had all started so well for England, who began this game by playing at a good tempo and dictating proceedings.
As they have done since Wiegman was appointed last year, they looked to build from the back and it was fitting their goal came via a slick passing move. Eventually, nice link-play by Georgia Stanway and Kirby put White in, who made no mistake and slotted the ball home from inside the box.
After taking the lead inside 15 minutes you expected England to kick on, but instead Germany showed why they are ranked third in the world.
Their squad has been hit hard by injuries and Covid-19 for this tournament, however there is still quality in it and that was made abundantly clear by Magull curling a free-kick in off the bar just before half-time.
In truth, it was no more than Germany deserved after coming back into the match and they almost took the lead following the break - but Klara Buhl fluffed her lines when the ball was pulled back to her in the box.
England were causing problems of their own, mainly out wide through Lauren Hemp and Lucy Bronze, however, as has been the case throughout the Arnold Clark Cup, their final ball was lacking.
The Lionesses were desperate to score the goal that would give them the trophy and centre-back Bright was thrown up top as an auxiliary striker for the final 10 minutes.
The Chelsea defender scored England’s only goal in their opening draw against Canada and once again she delivered the goods here.
This goal wasn’t the sumptuous volley that the Riverside witnessed, but it still possessed plenty of quality as it was made by a mazy run from Hemp.
The winger skipped past defenders for fun and, when her shot was blocked, Bright was on hand to collect the rebound and find the net.
Wiegman had said before this game she didn’t care who scored the goals and they way she celebrated Bright’s 84th-minute striker emphasised that.
But the sight of Kirby icing the cake in injury-time will have raised a smile too.
Suddenly, with a home Euros on the horizon, England look a real force as they remain unbeaten under Wiegman after winning a tournament that contained three teams ranked in the world’s top 10.
Roll on the summer.
