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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

Michael Jones
Tuesday 29 October 2024 18:24 EDT
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Wiegman stands by squad selection despite loss to Germany

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

61 mins: Chloe Kelly finds a touch of space and lets fly from range. She strikes it well and rattles the top of the crossbar!

Mike Jones29 October 2024 21:07

England 2-1 South Africa

58 mins: South Africa have scored their first ever goal against England with that Kgatlana finish. It was well taken and a sign of the quality she holds.

After setting up some fine chances for others in the first half she’s taken one herself and got her team back in the game.

Mike Jones29 October 2024 21:06

GOAL! England 2-1 South Africa (Thembi Kgatlana, 55 mins)

55 mins: Great finish!

England are punished. It’s another error from the captain as a loose pass from Leah Williamson ends up giving possession away to the visitors.

Thembi Kgatlana sprints onto the ball and drives forward. She’s got plenty of work to do to bet Mary Earps but nestles a superb finish past the goalkeeper and pulls one back.

Game on!

Mike Jones29 October 2024 21:02

England 2-0 South Africa

51 mins: Tiisetso Makhubela barges into Grace Clinton and knocks her over. She lands awkwardly and jars her right arm. It looks like a painful one but she’s back up and ready to play on with a grimace of determination.

Mike Jones29 October 2024 20:58

England 2-0 South Africa

48 mins: Jess Park attempts to weave her way into the box from the left side but is halted before making any real progress.

England look to keep possession and control the tempo of the match again. A switch of play comes out to Kelly who decides against a forward run and slots it back inside to Park.

Mike Jones29 October 2024 20:54

Second half! England 2-0 South Africa

The visitors get the ball rolling again for the second half. They’ve made a couple of changes with Andile Dlamini replacing Kaylin Swart in goal and Kholosa Biyana coming on for Sinoxolo Cesane.

Mike Jones29 October 2024 20:52

HT England 2-0 South Africa

Here’s a look at Leah Williamson’s opener, it’s safe to say the England captain enjoyed that one:

Mike Jones29 October 2024 20:47

HT England 2-0 South Africa

England managed six shots in the first half with half of them hitting the target. The more worrying sign is that they allowed South Africa, ranked 50th in the world, to have four efforts.

The visitors lacked composure in front of goal or else this could have been a very different game.

Mike Jones29 October 2024 20:43

HT England 2-0 South Africa

So far so good for England. Grace Clinton has been the star of the show in the first half. Sarina Wiegman will be impressed.

(Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)
(The FA via Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Mike Jones29 October 2024 20:39

Half-time! England 2-0 South Africa

45+4 mins: England head into the break with a strong lead but there have been plenty of opportunities for South Africa to strike at them.

Better quality in front of goal and this match could become interesting. Sarina Wiegman will be whelmed I think. England’s defence continues to cause issues.

Mary Earps has been solid in goal though to settle some nerves.

Mike Jones29 October 2024 20:35

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