England cruised into the Women’s Euro 2022 quarter-finals in style as they closed out the group stages with a 5-0 win over Northern Ireland.
Without manager Sarina Wiegman after she tested positive for Covid ahead of the game, the Lionesses produced another clinical display in Southampton. Fran Kirby and Beth Mead put them in control before half-time, before a brace from substitute Alessia Russo and an own goal added the gloss to a superb start to the tournament.
Here are five things we learned from England’s final group game.
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England slow out of the blocks again
This victory was a very comfortable one for the Lionesses, but they have made a habit of starting games fairly slowly at this summer’s tournament.
Within the first ten minutes at St Mary’s Stadium, England struggled to get into their groove and were at one stage caught napping by Northern Ireland, with Lauren Wade forcing Mary Earps into some early handling work.
As expected, the Lionesses eventually took control of the contest and played with a great deal of freedom once Fran Kirby had put them ahead. However, one of their aims for their quarter-final on Wednesday evening should be to play with fluidity from minute one.
Fran Kirby is back to her best
Seen as a debatable choice by Sarina Wiegman at the start of the tournament, Fran Kirby’s inclusion in the 23-player squad turned a few heads when announced back in June.
The Chelsea forward was absent for most of the 2021/22 season with a fatigue issue that had no answer to the source. However, since being selected to represent the Lionesses, the 28-year-old has started all three of England’s group stage matches, assisting in the first two and finally opening up her scoring account against Northern Ireland.
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Her instinctive vision and weight of pass have shown the world that Kirby is back to her best and will be a vital asset for England as they aim to reach the final at Wembley on July 31.
Ellen White still awaiting a record-equalling goal
Fifty-two goals. That’s how many times the Lionesses’ number nine has netted for her country. One more would see her equal Wayne Rooney’s all-time top goal scorer record of 53 for England.
The Manchester City forward, who has 110 caps for her nation, 10 less than Rooney, had a golden chance to equal her northern rival’s record in the first half. The opportunity fell to White inside the penalty area, but her right-footed attempt drilled narrowly wide of the far post.
As England progress to the quarter-finals, White will be eyeing up another opportunity to break Rooney’s record.
Russo continues to knock on Wiegman’s door
She might not have started any of England’s three group games, but Alessia Russo has still made quite the impression at her first senior international tournament.
The Manchester United striker added to her goal against Norway on Monday by scoring twice in five minutes early in the second half at Southampton. Her second on the night was majestic, as she evaded the last defender with a swift turn before firing past Jackie Burns.
Russo could have left St Mary’s with the match ball after being presented with a great chance to make it 6-0 in the latter stages, but she turned Beth Mead’s cross over the bar. Despite that though, Wiegman will have been very impressed by her back-up striker’s display off the bench once more.
Sterner tests surely await England
The Lionesses’ record-breaking win over Norway confirmed that they would go through to the knockout rounds of the tournament as Group A winners, but it was still important for the hosts to defeat Northern Ireland.
Having done so in emphatic fashion at St Mary’s, England will head into the quarter-finals in buoyant mood, having netted 14 goals across their three games, and conceding none.
However, Wiegman’s side should expect their next trip to the Amex Stadium to be far tougher than their last, as Spain or Denmark are expected to be far better equipped than England’s three previous opponents.
