(The FA via Getty Images)
Sarina Wiegman wants to use the Arnold Clark Cup as preparation for this summer’s World Cup. She hopes to use these three games to look at new players, try out new formations, and work out plans as she attempts to turn the European Champions into World Champions. Based on tonight’s performance Wiegman’s conclusion must be that England have really, really good players.
South Korea were able opponents throughout the first half. Setting up in a low block and making it difficult for England to break them down. The Lionesses started slow, they were sluggish, and lacked creativity in the face of steadfast opponents with the sole exception being Lauren James.
Picked to partner Alessia Russo up top, James provided pace, power, and drive to work England up the pitch and get within range of the target. It was she who won England’s first half penalty – ably despatched by Georgia Stanway – and sent the Lionesses into the break with a slender lead.
Her teammates decided to match her levels in the second half. Russo and Chloe Kelly both netting within five minutes of each other to put the match beyond their Korean opponents. The game became an exhibition and England came alive. They passed the ball with speed, guile, and confidence, took shots from all areas of the pitch, and put on a second half show for the fans inside the Stadium MK.
To cap off an impressive night, James arrived on the end of a Lucy Bronze cross and slotted home a side-footed strike to the bottom corner to score her first ever international goal.
Relive the action from England’s opening match versus South Korea:
Lauren James scores first England goal as Lionesses ease to Arnold Clark Cup win over South Korea
Lauren James scored her first England goal as the European champions opened their Arnold Clark Cup defence with a 4-0 victory over South Korea in Milton Keynes.
Chloe Kelly and Russo then scored in quick succession soon after the break before James capped her player-of-the match performance by breaking her senior England duck, the 21-year-old Chelsea forward striking past Kim Jung-mi in the 78th minute.
Stanway and substitute Katie Robinson hit the woodwork either side of that as well as Sarina Wiegman’s side produced a dominant display in their first fixture of the calendar year.
Michael Jones16 February 2023 22:11
FT England 4-0 South Korea
The Lionesses next fixtures:
England vs Italy (3.15 GMT)
England vs Belgium (7.45 GMT)
Michael Jones16 February 2023 22:01
FT England 4-0 South Korea
Reaction from player of the match Lauren James who said: “I’ve really grown into this team and everyone has made me feel really welcome. Now I can build on with confidence and combine with players.
“I worked hard and I’m happy with the outcome. Most importantly, we won.
“She [Lucy Bronze] is a great person, a great player and very inspirational. I look forward to keep working with her. I think I look at each game, look to work hard, keep on improving and see where it gets me to.”
Michael Jones16 February 2023 22:00
FT England 4-0 South Korea
The Lionesses have not lost in 674 days.
They had 32 attempts to score tonight with 12 of them on target.
The European Champions are back with a bang.
Michael Jones16 February 2023 21:56
FT England 4-0 South Korea
England were never in any danger of losing that match. Even when they started slow they were in control of the game and once the first goal went in the Lionesses grew increasingly more confident.
Sarina Wiegman now has a streak of 27 games unbeaten. She’s never lost when taking charge of the Lionesses.
Michael Jones16 February 2023 21:52
Full-time: England 4-0 South Korea
90+4 mins: It’s a winning start for England in the Arnold Clark Cup. They’ve demolished South Korea in their opening match, racking up four goals without reply and getting back into the rhythm that helped them become European Champions.
Georgia Stanway, Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo and Lauren James all bagged goals but there could easily have been two or three more scorers in the team tonight.
Sarina Wiegman will realise that she has a special group on her hands and there are options all over the pitch. This could be a very good year for the Lionesses indeed.
Michael Jones16 February 2023 21:43
England 4-0 South Korea
90 mins: Four minutes of stoppage time to play.
Michael Jones16 February 2023 21:36
England 4-0 South Korea
87 mins: Couple of changes for South Korea.
Hong Hye-ji and Son Hwa-yeon make way for Jang Yu-bin and Chun Ga-ram.
Michael Jones16 February 2023 21:36
England 4-0 South Korea
84 mins: Leah Williamson fancies a goal and lets fly from the edge of the box as the ball is whipped over to her. She strikes it well but sends the effort straight into the hands of the goalkeeper.
Michael Jones16 February 2023 21:32
England 4-0 South Korea
81 mins: Inside the last 10 minutes now and England are pushing for more goals. Everyone on the pitch wants to impress Sarina Wiegman and stake a claim to be included in the World Cup squad later this year.
Will there be more goals before the end of the match?
Michael Jones16 February 2023 21:29
