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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Richard Forrester

England Lionesses player ratings vs Belgium: Chloe Kelly superb as Ella Toone pulls the strings

Mary Earps - 7

Had absolutely nothing to do all game until the last minute when Dhont's unstoppable effort found the top corner. She had absolutely no chance with it. Was gutted not to keep a clean sheet.

Lucy Bronze - 8

Allowed to press forward at will as she was under no pressure defensively. Belgium couldn't track her overlapping runs which were timed effectively. Assisted Williamson with a cross to the back post.

Millie Bright - 7

Kept it simple at the back, showing all her experience to keep possession ticking over. Won't have many easier games in her career.

Leah Williamson - 9

Added England's second of the evening with a rare goal. Perhaps fortunate there was no handball in the build-up but stooped at the back post to head in from close range. Added her second and a sixth right at the death with a confident finish.

Alex Greenwood (off 63, Carter) - 8

So strong up against Jill Janssens at left-back and didn't give her opponent any joy going forward. Played on the overlap for Kelly with the duo causing havoc down their side.

Lauren James (off 45, Hemp) - 8

Belgium couldn't live with her pace and power down the right flank. Attoned for missing from close range early on by playing a key role in the opener when she darted into the box. Substituted at half-time with Sarina eager to rotate. Deservedly won Player of the Tournament.

Keira Walsh (off 80, Wubben-Moy) - 7

Certainly won't be aching in the morning. Almost a training ground exercise for the defensive midfielder and barely had to get out of second gear. Maintained possession well and wasn't put under any serious pressure with the ball at feet.

Chloe Kelly - 9

Two tap-ins and two goals. It doesn't matter how you get them, she was in the right place at the right time. Played with plenty of confidence taking on her full-back and her movement caused problems all evening. Clipped the top of the bar in search of her hat-trick.

Georgia Stanway - 8

Made some intelligent runs to break the lines including the one that contributed to England's fourth when her cross was turned into her own net by Biesmans.

Ella Toone - 8

Unlucky not to get in on the goalscoring action. Had an effort superbly tipped onto the crossbar on the angle in the second half. Linked up the play really well with other forwards and her movement created space for others to exploit. Pulled the strings in midfield.

Alessia Russo (off 71, Daly) - 6

Handed the opportunity to stake her claim as England's No9 but may feel as though she didn't show what she can offer ahead of the World Cup in the summer. Signs of her link-up play in attack but without managing to create a goalscoring opportunity.

Substitutes

Lauren Hemp (on 45, James) - 7

Added to Belgium's woes on her introduction. Just oozes quality on the ball and shows England's superb strength in depth.

Jess Carter (on 63, Greenwood) - 7

Handed some minutes at left-back and stuck to her task. May feel she could have got closer to Dhont for Belgium's goal.

Rachel Daly (on 71, Russo) - N/A

Jess Park (on 80, Toone) N/A

Lotte Wubben-Moy (on 81, Walsh) - N/A

Subs not used: Roebuck, Maciver, Salmon, Zelem, Charles, Robinson, Le Tissier, Nobbs, Coombs

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