England vs South Africa LIVE: Result and reaction as Lionesses clinch narrow win
England 2-1 South Africa: Sarina Wiegman’s side bounced back after a shock defeat to Germany but there are still areas for improvement
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Your support makes all the difference.England responded to their humbling defeat against Germany with a 2-1 victory over South Africa in their second outing of the international break.
Sarina Wiegman made eight changes to the starting line-up and saw a total change in style and composure over the first 45 minutes. In midfield Grace Clinton was a breath of fresh air, tracking back, making runs and taking shots in a blistering performance that proves she is ready for a permanent run in the team.
Leah Williamson, making her 50th appearance for England, banished the demons from Friday night by slotting home the opening goal and send the Lionesses into the lead. It was a cathartic moment for the captain but one that didn’t last.
Clinton’s headed finish sent England into the break with a two-goal cushion but their advantage was halved as mistakes crept into the team. Williamson’s poor pass to Georgia Stanway gave the ball away to Thembi Kgatlana who swept into the box and scored South Africa’s first ever goal against England.
It wasn’t enough though as Wiegman brought on her experienced substitutes to see out the win.
Relive the action with our live blog below:
England 2-1 South Africa
90 mins: Five minutes of added time to play in Coventry. Can the Lionesses hold on to this lead?
England 2-1 South Africa
85 mins: There’s a bit of late pressure from England now. Alessia Russo is brought down and a free kick awarded to the hosts. It’s sent into the box and cleared away but the Lionesses come again.
A second cross looks dangerous but Dlamini confidently slaps the ball away.
England 2-1 South Africa
82 mins: Save!
At the other end of the pitch the ball comes loose to Ella Toone who drills a first time effort at goal and forces a save stop out of the substitute goalkeer Andile Dlamini.
She palms the ball over the top and gives up a corner.
England 2-1 South Africa
79 mins: Save!
Wow. Thembi Kgatlana is quick and easily flies by Millie Bright despite the defender having a couple of yards on her. The South African carries the ball into the box and shoots only for Mary Earps to make herself big and keep deny the visitors an equaliser.
Huge moment.
England 2-1 South Africa
78 mins: Kgatlana has another chance to score but her effort is deflected wide by Lucy Bronze who has been incredibly busy since her introduction.
The South Africans seem the most likely to score at the minute. These closing stages will be very interesting for England.
England 2-1 South Africa
75 mins: Disallowed! Kgatlana has the ball in the back of the net once more after a forward pass sends her sprinting in behind. She’s got the pace to beat Lucy Bronze to the box and then belts a shot past Mary Earps only to get flagged offside.
England are living dangerously. If they play like this against the USA in November they’ll be beaten by a large margin.
England 2-1 South Africa
73 mins: Wiegman is prepping her last two substitutions with Millie Bright and Lauren Hemp ready to come on. Leah Williamson will be one of the players to make way as she’s starting to make a few simple mistakes.
Beth Mead is the other player replaced.
England 2-1 South Africa
70 mins: Great from Lucy Bronze!
Kgatlana is fed in behind the England defence again and sprints up the pitch before squaring a pass across to Hildah Magaia. Magaia shoots but Bronze is across quickly and blocks the effort.
England 2-1 South Africa
67 mins: England’s substitutes are trying to settle into the rhythm of the game with the momentum seemingly leaning towards the visitors are they hunt for an equaliser.
Sarina Wiegman is a ruthless manager. She won’t want to sit back and defend this lead, she’ll want to score more goals.
England 2-1 South Africa
64 mins: Sarina Wiegman makes four changes all at once for England as she wants to get control of the game again. On come Lucy Bronze, Fran Kirby, Alessia Russo and Ella Toone.
They replace Esme Morgan, Jess Park, Grace Clinton and Jessica Naz. It’s an influx of experience which should provide a bit of stability for the Lionesses.
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