England put their Olympic disappointment behind them as they thrashed Austria 7-2 in the first of two friendlies in Marbella.
Sarina Wiegman opted for some experimentation, with Grace Clinton handed her debut while Maya Le Tissier and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton earned only their third caps.
The Lionesses are playing friendlies due to their failure to qualify for the Nations League knockouts, which is the route of qualification for this summer’s Olympics.
Friday’s game with Austria and Tuesday’s friendly against Italy are therefore serving as preparation for their Euro 2025 qualifiers, which begin in April.
It was a pleasing night for Wiegman, whose side sealed an emphatic win thanks to a brace from Alessia Russo and strikes from Clinton, Beth Mead, Jess Carter and Rachel Daly.
England hammered Austria 7-2 in an entertaining international friendly on Friday evening
Sarina Wiegman’s side put in an impressive display, amid treacherous conditions in Spain
Your browser does not support iframes.
Hannah Hampton – 6.5 – Only a third cap for the Chelsea goalkeeper but she spent much of the night watching her team-mates. Looked composed playing out from the back when required. Could do little about the goals she conceded.
Maya Le Tissier – 7 – Impressed at right back despite usually playing in the centre of defence for Manchester United. Made some important tackles and looked comfortable in possession. Nearly scored a great header.
Esme Morgan – 6.5 – Looked comfortable next to both Greenwood and Wubben-Moy, who came on at half-time but will be disappointed she was beaten at the back-post for the second goal.
Alex Greenwood – 6.5 – Captained the side and led from the back, but had very little defending to do before she was given a rest when she was replaced by Wubben-Moy at half-time.
Hannah Hampton put in a composed display on her third cap, with Mary Earps given a rest
Grace Clinton capped a memorable debut as she headed home from Lauren Hemp’s cross
Beth Mead also netted twice as she continues to get back to her best following her ACL injury
Niamh Charles – 6.5 – Probably would have wanted to get more involved with England’s attacks but kept her positioning well in what was a disciplined performance from the Chelsea full back.
Georgia Stanway – 9 – Ran the show in the No 6 role and broke through Austria’s lines with smart passing and linked well with Clinton. Also disciplined with her positioning and made some vital tackles. Was handed the captain’s armband when Greenwood went off at half-time.
Grace Clinton – 8.5 – A debut to remember for the midfielder, who looked at home on the international stage. Confident and composed on the ball with some gutsy challenges. Nearly scored a sensational strike in the first half but got her moment when she headed in Hemp’s cross shortly after.
Ella Toone – 6.5 – A late call up to the team after Fran Kirby dropped out with injury. Looked busy in the No 10 role but would probably have liked to see more of the ball. Tried to make things happen when the game slowed in the second half.
Beth Mead – 8.5 – A threat all night and scored a sensational left-footed goal to make it 3-1 in the first half. Scored her second when she fired in the rebound after Lauren James’ shot had been parried.
Lauren Hemp – 7.5 – Got in behind the Austria defence on multiple occasions. Grabbed a brilliant assist for Clinton’s goal and played a part in Mead’s. Right back Katharina Schiechtl was no doubt pleased to see her go off at half-time.
Alessia Russo – 8.5 – Got England up and running with a poacher’s finish after less than three minutes then scored a superb second before being taken off. An enjoyable night for England’s No 9.
Georgia Stanway ran the show for England in the No 6 role and took the armband at half-time
Alessia Russo added to her impressive international record by scoring twice for the Lionesses
SUBS:
Lotte Wubben-Moy (for Greenwood 45) – 7
Lauren James (for Hemp 45) – 7
Jess Park (for Clinton 63) – 6
Jess Carter (for Charles) – 7
Rachel Daly (for Russo) – 7