Chloe Kelly was the star performer as England cruised past Belgium to win the Arnold Clark Cup for a second year in a row.
The Lionesses ran out 6-1 winners in Bristol, with Chloe Kelly and captain Leah Williamson scoring twice, Belgium defender Julie Biesmans turning the ball into her own net and Lucy Bronze adding fifth late on.
England were dominant throughout the match and Belgium’s only consolation was a stunning strike from Elena Dhont in injury-time. Before that, Lionesses goalkeeper Mary Earps literally did not have a save to make as the Lionesses stretched their unbeaten run to 29 games.
The victory means England retained the Arnold Clark Cup after winning all three of their matches and head coach Sarina Wiegman will have been pleased with the performances as her side gear up for the World Cup this summer.
Simon Collings was as Ashton Gate to see the Lionesses in action...
Mary Earps - 6
Spent most of the night working out ways to stay warm as Belgium created literally nothing. Was then beaten in the dying minutes by a brilliant effort from outside the box.
Lucy Bronze - 9
Appears to be developing a good understanding with Lauren James down England’s right flank as they linked up well again. The right-back setup Williamson’s goal with an accurate cross and scored one late on too.
Millie Bright - 7
A typically dominant display from the Chelsea defender, who did not give the Belgian forwards a sniff all night. Went close to scoring with a header.
Leah Williamson - 9
The captain was restored to her usual position of centre-back and she put in a good performance. Comfortable in possession and got on the scoresheet twice.
Lucy 🖇 Leah
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) February 22, 2023
2️⃣-0️⃣ to the #Lionesses! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/57bMkv1AUF
Alex Greenwood - 8
The defender has enjoyed a good tournament and now appears to the be the first-choice left-back. Did well again tonight, especially when going forward.
Georgia Stanway - 8
Was her usual self as she brought plenty of energy to England’s midfield. Created the fourth goal with a driving run and cross that Biesmans turned into her own net.
Keira Walsh - 7
A classy performance from the Barcelona star at the base of England’s midfield. So composed and barely played a loose pass all night.
Ella Toone - 8
Played as one of the two No8s for England in a 4-3-3 system. Bright and full of running. It was her shot that the Belgian goalkeeper spilled and Kelly tapped home to make it 3-0.
Right place. Right time.
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) February 22, 2023
⚽️ @Chloe_Kelly98 pic.twitter.com/t32Ng4UL4U
Lauren James - 7
Was only given 45 minutes to impress but the Chelsea winger still put in a fine performance. Created the opening goal with a good run and cross. Looked a threat all half.
Alessia Russo - 6
Went close on a number of occasions and looked threatening. The striker had one effort well saved and flicked a header just past the post.
Chloe Kelly - 9 | Star player
Started really brightly and caused problems right from the off. Scored two tap-ins in either half and went close to getting a hat-trick on a few occasions. Looks back to her best.
Substitutions
Lauren Hemp (James 45’) - 7
A bright cameo from the winger, who spent time on the left and right flank.
Jess Carter (Greenwood 63’) - 6
Slotted in comfortably at left-back as England cruised to victory.
Rachel Daly (Russo 72’) - 6
Clearly seen as a striker by Wiegman now after playing as a left-back during the Euros last summer.
Jess Park (Toone 81’) - N/A
Lotte Wubben-Moy (Walsh 82’) - N/A
