England topped Group A of the Women’s Euros with a 100 per cent record after demolishing already eliminated Northern Ireland 5-0 at St Mary’s Stadium.
The Lionesses led 2-0 at half-time after goals from Fran Kirby and Beth Mead. Alessia Russo scored a quick brace within 10 minutes of coming on before an own goal topped off the scoring.
Here’s how we rated their performance:
ALSO READ: England 5-0 Northern Ireland result as Alessia Russo brace sends Lionesses through in style
Mary Earps – 6
Barely called into action, Earps must’ve struggled to stay warm on what was a breezy evening. The goalkeeper made a couple of saves early on but for the remainder of the game, she was unchallenged.
Lucy Bronze – 6
Bronze bombed up and down the line all night as usual. She played her part in build-up play and got involved in attacks regularly.
Millie Bright – 6
Bright didn’t have much to do defensively but sprayed passes and had a couple of long-range shots saved at the other end. She was then taken off at half-time to rest ahead of the quarter-finals.
Leah Williamson – 7
Leading the team from centre-back, Williamson put in a controlled performance. She communicated with her team throughout the game and marshalled the Northern Irish counter-attacks well.
Rachel Daly – 6
Daly began the game superbly, bursting down the left and creating chances. Later on in the game as the score line crept up, her role became less involved.
Show your support for England as the Lionesses go for glory at Women's Euro 2022!
Georgia Stanway – 6
Stanway was involved in everything before she was withdrawn at half-time, with an effort cleared off the line and plenty of encouraging build-up play. The Manchester City midfielder was another of those subbed at the break to rest ahead of the quarter-finals.
Keira Walsh – 6
Similarly to other defensive-minded players, Walsh was rarely called into action. She broke Northern Irish attacks down well and moved the ball on for England which is exactly what she is meant to do.
Fran Kirby – 7
The tricky feet of Fran Kirby were on show tonight as she got involved in every attack, dropping deep for the ball at times. Her goal was a superb show of precision as she curled an effort into the top corner from the edge of the box.
Beth Mead – 8
Mead continued her fine form in this tournament so far as she added yet another goal to her tally. The Arsenal forward is well in contention for the Golden Boot award thanks to her brilliant touch and finish just before half-time
Lauren Hemp – 6
Hemp was fairly quiet this evening with not much of the action coming her way. As the three points were secured, she was withdrawn for teammate Chloe Kelly on the hour mark.
Ellen White – 6
The Lionesses striker is only one goal away from equalling Wayne Rooney’s all-time England goalscoring record but was unable to level it today. Her best chance was a one-on-one which skimmed past the post before she was also subbed at half-time.
Subs:
Alessia Russo – 8
Within three minutes of coming off the bench at half-time, Russo headed home England’s third of the evening. Her second then came a few minutes later as she superbly turned and finished inside the Norther Ireland box.
Alex Greenwood – 6
Greenwood put in a solid performance after coming off the bench at half-time, reducing Northern Ireland to barely anything in their final third.
Ella Toone – 7
Also coming on as a substitute at half-time, Toone got herself involved within 10 minutes. She assisted Russo’s second of the night.
Chloe Kelly – 6
Kelly replaced Lauren Hemp in the second half and played her part. She carried the ball well down the right flank and tried to create chances for her fellow forwards.
Jess Carter – 6
Only on the pitch for the final 15 minutes, Carter couldn’t get too involved in the game. Although the right back helped to maintain the Lionesses’ clean sheet.
