Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Simon Collings

England player ratings vs Australia: Leah Williamson at fault as Keira Walsh has off-day

England were beaten by Australia on Tuesday night as their 30-game unbeaten run came to an abrupt end.

Australia were worthy winners at the Brentford Gtech Community Stadium, scoring in either half to claim a 2-0 win.

Sam Kerr opened the scoring after 32 minutes when she pounced on an error by captain Leah Williamson and Charlotte Grant found the net after the break.

The defeat is England’s first under Sarina Wiegman and it also ends their 30-game unbeaten run, which proceeded the Dutch woman taking over.

Simon Collings was at the Brentford Gtech Community Stadium to see the Lionesses in action...

Mary Earps 6

You could argue she may have been quicker off her line for Australia’s opener, but it was a poor header from Williamson. Could do nothing about the deflected second goal.

Lucy Bronze 6

Went close to scoring when she headed over the bar from a corner in the second-half. Put in a great cross for Daly, but she headed wide. Just about England’s best player.

Leah Williamson 4

Was at fault for Australia’s opening goal as she did not put enough power on her header back to Earps. The second goal was deflected off her and into the net.

At fault: Williamson was involved in both of Australia’s goals (Action Images via Reuters)

Esme Morgan 5

Handed a rare start in the absence of Alex Greenwood and Millie Bright. Struggled playing out from the back and was loose in possession.

Jess Carter 6

A solid enough performance as she got a second start in a row at left-back. Kept things simple and didn’t try to overplay when in possession.

Georgia Stanway 5

Had one effort blocked in the first-half, but other than that she was quiet. Couldn’t bring the energy that she often does to the midfield.

Keira Walsh 5

A rare off-day for the midfielder, who is so often one of the Lionesses’ better players. Passing was a little off and was guilty of giving the ball away.

Off day: Keira Walsh struggled to get into the game (PA)

Ella Toone 5

Never really got into the game in all honesty after impressing and scoring against Brazil last week. Taken off with 30 minutes to go for Rachel Daly.

Chloe Kelly 5

Put in two good crosses in the first-half that deserved more from them. Rotated between playing on the left and right flank, but with little joy.

Alessia Russo 6

Went close with a few efforts on goal in the early stages. Her hold-up play was good and she was one of England’s better players on the night.

Lauren Hemp 6

Forced to come off inside the opening 30 minutes as she was struggling with her breathing after a nose injury last week. It was a shame as she was the best player before that.

Substitutions

Lauren James (Hemp 28’) 6

Looked lively and had some joy with the odd mazy run. Lacked the final ball or end product.

Rachel Daly (Toone 60’) 5

Came on and played as a No10. Missed a great chance from Bronze’s cross.

Jess Park (Carter 84’) N/A

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.