England (the Lionesses) played against Austria in an International Women’s Friendly game yesterday. But they were on a scoring spree as they beat Austria 7-2. Grace Clinton was in England’s starting lineup and it was her first game for the team. Manchester United loaned Clinton to Tottenham earlier this season. She has two assists and four goals for Tottenham so far.
Sarina Wiegman, England’s manager, stated that Clinton had a “dream debut” for the national team as she scored a goal against Austria. Wiegman praised Clinton for her stellar performance in the match. Also, she commended her commitment during training. Wiegman added that Clinton enjoyed herself. The Lionesses had a memorable night in Spain as Alessia Russo, Jess Carter, Rachel Daly, and Beth Mead scored too.
The Lionesses’ Remarkable Improvement
England haven’t had a busy month as they didn’t qualify for the Paris Olympic Games. They chose to train in Marbella and beat Austria 1-0 in the Euro 2022 opening game. Alessia Russo scored the opener in the 3rd minute yesterday. Clinton converted a stunning header in the 19th minute and gave England a 2-0 lead.
The Lionesses lost concentration briefly and allowed Virginia Kirchberger to score Austria’s first goal in the 30th minute after heading a corner. Beth Mead scored England’s third goal in the 37th minute and increased their lead. The game had a 3-1 score at halftime.
England Continues Hammering Austria
The Lionesses were eager to net more goals in the second half. Russo’s efforts bore fruit in the 61st minute when she scored England’s fourth goal. Ella Toone and Maya Le Tissier weren’t lucky as they missed their scoring chances.
Jess Carter thrilled spectators when she flicked the ball and scored the fifth goal in the 70th minute. Kirchberger netted in Austria’s second goal in the 88th minute but Mead retaliated by scoring England’s sixth goal after a minute. Rachel Daly scored the Lionesses’ seventh goal in the 90+3 minute and the match ended 7-2.
Clinton’s Remarks After the Game
Clinton admitted that this was one of the most important games in her soccer career. She stated that Sarina urged her to try the eighth position in the team. Clinton took up the challenge and enjoyed receiving the ball more.
The midfielder was elated to play with Toone and Stanway. Clinton disclosed that it is competitive to play near such talented players. Her father and mother attended the game to cheer her, and she was eager to meet them.
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Millie Bright and Leah Williamson’s injuries prompted Wiegman to replace them with Esme Morgan and Le Tissier. She substituted Jess Park in the midfield. The manager didn’t want to risk engaging unfit players as she excluded Chloe Kelly from the squad after she got a minor injury in Thursday’s training session. The Lionesses’ 7-2 score thrilled Wiegman and she hopes they will beat Italy on Tuesday.
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