Ellen White goes ‘full circle’ in chase for England history

Ellen White was back where she started as she reached her 100th cap for England against Austria.

The forward scored just as she had done on her international debut against the same opponents in March 2010, although this time she was netting the winner in Sunderland.

Between those two games, White has scored 43 more times, to sit one behind Kelly Smith’s all-time goal scoring record for England Women of 46, moving ahead of Kerry Davis.

“It’s crazy how things work out, I remember it vividly," White said of her debut. "My parents and husband still say now that it was like slow motion going in.

“It’s a dream really and it’s come full circle which is really strange. To have made my debut against Austria and to now get my 100th cap against Austria.”

The 32-year-old netted the only goal of the game in the 39th minute to move tantalisingly close to Smith’s record.

“It’s not a record I like talking about but for me, it’s all about the team performing and winning,” said the Ballon d'Or nominee.

"What [Smith’s] done for women’s football is amazing and to be in the same breath as her is great.”

In a game that saw both teams battling a strong second opponent in Storm Arwen, Sarina Wiegman’s side saw several missed opportunities from Fran Kirby and Beth Mead, whose partnership dominated the right side of play throughout.

England were up against their toughest opponents in their Women’s World Cup 2023 qualifying campaign, as Austria’s defensive stance saw the Lionesses struggling for opportunities.

Having faced their first real test under Wiegman’s leadership, the former Netherlands head coach is hopeful for more opportunities like this one.

“Today was one of the hardest games I think but now we need to be exposed to top opponents,” Wiegman said.

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“I think the first half we created lots of chances, so I think that was really good. I think the second half was a little bit worse than the first half.

“We can learn from every game but you set goals and you expect something from a game but I think we need games like this and games against even better opponents so that we have to defend a little more.”

Chelsea defender Millie Bright led the side in the absence of Steph Houghton and Leah Williamson through injury and was able to secure the win in her first game as captain under Wiegman.

Despite the tricky afternoon at the Stadium of Light, the Lionesses remain unbeaten in Group D and now sit five points clear of second-place Austria.

England conclude their 2021 campaign against Latvia in Doncaster on Tuesday evening.