England’s fairytale 2022 continued as Chloe Kelly’s superb goal helped the Lionesses beat former World Champions Japan 4-0.
Rachel Daly, Ella Toone and debutant Jess Park also got on the scoresheet as the European champions made it 25 games unbeaten under Sarina Wiegman, to send a clear message to their fellow World Cup contenders. Park's dream debut strike came in injury time, with her very first touch of the ball in an England shirt after coming on as a substitute only a minute earlier.
It was the in-form Villa star Daly who opened the scoring with her 10th international goal not long before half-time in Murcia, before a second half flurry gave England a comfortable win at the Pinatar Arena. With Lauren Hemp missing from the England manager’s teamsheet for the first time, Kelly made the most of her chance with a fine left-footed finish. The Manchester City winger netting her first goal since the Euros final.
Toone added a late third after good work from substitute Lauren James, to ensure the Lionesses remain unbeaten this calendar year. Wiegman could also be pleased with another clean sheet despite missing regular defenders Leah Williamson and Lucy Bronze.
The Lionesses started slow but could have had the lead on 25 minutes. Alessia Russo should have marked her return to the team with a goal, somehow heading Kelly’s brilliant cross against the post. Beth Mead also went close, forcing a superb stop from Japan shotstopper Ayaka Yamashita, who produced a strong right-hand to turn the ball around the post.
Toone also went close, although Jun Endo showed Japan still offered a threat when she tried to catch out Mary Earps from distance. But England grew in confidence and the breakthrough came when Daly intercepted a clearance to slide the ball home in the 38th minute.
Kelly added the second right after half-time following good work down the right from Mead, the Man City star firing home with her unfavoured left foot. Russo then had another chance to get back amongst the goals when well-placed in the area but shot straight at Yamashita, before she was withdrawn for Chelsea's James.
And James made an impact, combining with fellow substitute Ebony Salmon to tee up Toone who chipped in England's third. The Lionesses then added gloss to the scoreline in the dying minutes, when a superb run from Salmon gave Park the chance to mark her debut with a goal, just 79 seconds after coming on.
