The Lionesses strengthened their position at the top of the table in the Arnold Clark Cup with a 2-1 win over Italy in Coventry.
Rachel Daly headed England into the lead in the first half before Italy levelled in the second half with a controversial goal that appeared not to have crossed the lined.
But Daly scored another excellent header for England to ensure Sarina Wiegman’s side have two wins from two and are well on the well to retaining their title on Wednesday when they finish the campaign against Belgium.
Dom Smith was at the Coventry Building Society Arena to rate the England players…
Ellie Roebuck 6
Could have done better with Italy’s leveller, but to be fair to her it may well not have even crossed the line.
Maya Le Tissier 6
One wild effort in the first half. But grew into the contest and had a strong second half.
Jess Carter 6
Didn’t put a foot wrong and was solid throughout. Unlikely to be a starting centre-back at the World Cup, though.
Alex Greenwood 7
Her crosses were not always of the best accuracy but captained England well and was a constant attacking threat down England’s left channel.
Niamh Charles 5
Played backwards under pressure a few times when there were options ahead of her. Struggled initially but came into her own in the second half at left-back.
Keira Walsh 6
Typically solid, winning an important header in midfield which lead to Daly’s first-half goal. She’ll play a vital role in England’s future.
Laura Coombs 6
Nothing much of note on her first England international since 2015.
Jess Park 7
Really tidy in possession. Playing the Ella Toone role, and did so confidently
Rachel Daly 8 | Star player
Tested Italian goalkeeper Laura Giuliani twice in the opening stages before opening the scoring with a neat header from Katie Robinson’s cross. Scored England’s winner in the second half. A real aerial threat.
Katie Robinson 7
An excellent outlet down the right flank on her first England start, crossing for the opener when Rachel Daly headed in after 33 minutes. Swapped with fellow winger Lauren Hemp to go effect.
Lauren Hemp 7
Grew into the game after a slow start. Will be really important for England in Australia and New Zealand this summer.
Substitutes
Jordan Nobbs (Park, 46) 7
Moved to Aston Villa last month in order to get an England re-call. Made the most of her half of football, testing the goalkeeper twice.
Katie Zelem (Walsh, 46) 6
Steady enough when coming on. Might just be that final name who makes it into the squad come July.
Chloe Kelly (Hemp, 63) 6
Not her usual threatening self when appearing from the bench. Often looks better when starting the match.
Lotte Wubben-Moy (Greenwood, 63) 6
Played well enough without dazzling. The feeling is that she is dropping down the defensive pecking order rather than moving up it.
Lauren James (Robinson, 63) 7
Full of running as she always is. Played a super cross which Daly converted for the goal that ended up being the winner.
Ebony Salmon (Daly, 83) N/A
Subs not used: Mary Earps, Sandy MacIver, Lucy Bronze, Millie Bright, Leah Williamson, Georgia Stanway, Alessia Russo, Ella Toone
