England won the inaugural Women’s Finalissima on penalties, prevailing against reigning Copa America champions Brazil at a sold-out Wembley courtesy of substitute Chloe Kelly’s winning spot-kick.
The one-match competition pits the winners of the Euros and the Copa America against each other, yet Brazil arrived on the back of two straight defeats, losing to Canada and the United States in February. February, though, saw England retain their Arnold Clark Cup title with victories over Italy, Belgium and the Korea Republic.
And the Lionesses were in the ascendency as well as the lead by the time the half-time whistle blew here. Ella Toone finished off an intricate and incisive move midway through the first period, but Mary Earps made a poor error in the dying embers of the second to allow Brazil’s Andressa to level.
Earps redeemed herself in the shootout, saving from Tamires. Soon Kelly was rewinding her Euros winning-goal moment — scoring the winner from the spot for a 4-2 win on penalties. Sarina Wiegman’s side were soon lifting the fourth trophy of her tenure, with the 83,000 people inside Wembley re-energised by the penalty drama.
Dom Smith was at Wembley to assess the Lionesses’ performances...
Mary Earps — 7
Made a stunning second-half stop from Geyse. But that wonderful save was forgotten when she spilled late on, allowing Andressa to send the game to penalties at the death. Saved from Tamires to her left to redeem herself and help England to victory.
Lucy Bronze — 7
Lax in possession once or twice in the first half, losing the ball, but an offensive threat going forward as ever. Her give-and-go with Georgia Stanway brought England their goal. Improved in the second period.
Leah Williamson — 6
Solid and steady as she recieved the ball, rotated play, and kept England ticking over.
Chloe Kelly wins the Finalissima for England! 🤩🏆#Finalissima | #Lionesses pic.twitter.com/mFnVhe1Ss3
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) April 6, 2023
Alex Greenwood — 6
Deadly delivery on corners, reminding supporters and perhaps Sarina Wiegman that left-back remains her strongest position. Played centre-back well, though, where she has played for England before, as well as at club level. Scored calmly from the spot.
Jess Carter — 5
Caught out when Geyse ran free, off Carter’s shoulder, but struck wide. A capable utility player for the Lionesses, but certainly not their best option at left-back. That would be Greenwood, who was playing next to her at centre-back in the spot Millie Bright usually occupies when fit.
Georgia Stanway — 6
Not the offensive threat she so often is for England, and neither was she as defensively astute as usual. But in fine form for Bayern Munich and a cert for the World Cup starting lineup. Scored from the spot, despite the keeper getting her hands on it.
Keira Walsh — 6
Recieved the ball from defence, pivoted, and played the Lionesses’ attackers and wide forwards in, when they found themselves in space. Decent display.
Ella Toone — 6
Took her goal so well. Looks set to start at the World Cup; makes them stronger. But then struck a limp penalty which goalkeeper Leticia stopped with ease.
Lauren James — 8
Stung the gloves of Leticia early in the first half, and it was a sign of things to come as she only grew in stature — shooting, beating players, and crossing for Lauren Hemp to test the goalkeeper. James is a Lionesses star of the not-too-distant future.
Lauren Hemp — 6
Too tricky for Brazil’s full-backs to contain, but without ever looking like scoring or assisting. Played a couple of intelligent through-balls and was lively when the found reached her.
Alessia Russo — 7
Held the ball up well as England’s most advanced player, and altered between a sprint and a jog when smartly evading the challenges of those marking her. Not many chances to score tonight.
Subs:
Chloe Kelly (James, 74’) — 7
Played well off the bench. Her Arnold Clark Cup displays in February mean she may start for the Lionesses at the World Cup. Then scored the penalty that confirmed England won the Finalissima, just as she had scored the winner to ensure England won the Euros last summer. Made for the big moments, clearly.
Rachel Daly (Russo, 74’) — 6
Missed one glorious chance, and was lucky the flag went up afterwards. But then scored with some piercing conviction from the spot.
Katie Robinson (Hemp, 87’) — N/A
